light-o'-love
Americannoun
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a lover.
-
a prostitute.
Etymology
Origin of light-o'-love
First recorded in 1570–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A man of letters who would parody his early style is no better than the ancient light-o'-love who wears a wig and reddens her cheeks.
From Confessions of a Young Man by George (George Augustus) Moore
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 Gilbert Parker
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, Volume 5. by Gilbert Parker
A mere light-o'-love and saucebox, as she had always herself called the miller's wife, was wholly unworthy to occupy, even in pity, the thoughts of so holy a man.
From A House-Party Don Gesualdo and A Rainy June by Ouida
Should she wear her heart in mourning for a light-o'-love and a jilt?
From V. V.'s Eyes by Henry Sydnor Harrison
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
