light-o'-love
Americannoun
-
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.
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
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)
We pray you to forget none of our appointed guests and suitors, and in especial this light-o'-love, Amy Robsart.
From Kenilworth by Scott, Walter, Sir
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
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 Parker, Gilbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
