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.
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 Michael Fairless
We pray you to forget none of our appointed guests and suitors, and in especial this light-o'-love, Amy Robsart.
From Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott
They had been distinctly interesting to Derek, these glimpses of a joyous, idle, light-o'-love life, with a tragic element never very far below its surface, so different from his own gray career of business.
From The Inner Shrine by Basil King
Should she wear her heart in mourning for a light-o'-love and a jilt?
From V. V.'s Eyes by Henry Sydnor Harrison
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
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.
