light-o'-love

American  

[lahyt-uh-luhv] / ˈlaɪt əˈlʌv /

Also light-of-love

noun

Archaic.

1. a lover.

2. a prostitute.

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Etymology

Origin of light-o'-love

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Land of the Greater Love—men call it this; No light-o'-love sets here an ambuscade; No tender torture of the secret kiss Makes sick the spirit and the soul afraid.

From The Money Master, Complete by Parker, Gilbert

Should she wear her heart in mourning for a light-o'-love and a jilt?

From V. V.'s Eyes by Harrison, Henry Sydnor

It was that, during her "Bohemian" period, he had endeavoured to fill the empty niche left in her affections by the departure of that light-o'-love, Captain Lennox, and had been repulsed for his pains.

From The Magnificent Montez From Courtesan to Convert by Wyndham, Horace

None but the Prior knew the meaning of these three, and their names, with that of a poor light-o’-love, were ever on his lips when he offered the Holy Sacrifice.

From Gathering of Brother Hilarius by Fairless, Michael

She is no light-o'-love, my lord, but a good and honest maiden; and I would be the last to sully her purity by word or deed.

From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)