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

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 King, Basil

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 Moore, George (George Augustus)

My melancholy is like her's—the ancient light-o'-love of whom I spoke just now, when she sits by the fire in the dusk, a miniature of her past self in her hand.

From Confessions of a Young Man by Moore, George (George Augustus)

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

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