Paphian

American  

[pey-fee-uhn] / ˈpeɪ fi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Paphos, an ancient city of Cyprus sacred to Aphrodite.

2. of or relating to love, especially illicit sexual love; erotic; wanton.

3. noting or pertaining to Aphrodite or to her worship or service.

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noun

1. the Paphian, Aphrodite: so called from her cult center at Paphos.

2. (often lowercase) a prostitute.

Paphian British  

/ ˈpeɪfɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Paphos

2. of or relating to Aphrodite

3. literary of sexual love

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Etymology

Origin of Paphian

1605–15; < Latin Paphi ( us ) (< Greek Páphios of Paphos, of Aphrodite) + -an

Example Sentences

PAPHOS: there were two towns of the name, both on the west side of the island of Cyprus, and dedicated to Venus, who was hence the Paphian and the Cyprian goddess.

From A Dialogue Concerning Oratory, Or The Causes Of Corrupt Eloquence The Works Of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With An Essay On His Life And Genius, Notes, Supplements by Tacitus, Cornelius

A tear the Paphian sheds for each blood-drop of Adonis, and tears and blood on the earth are turned to flowers.

From A Book of Myths by Stratton, Helen

Then, on the top of Eryx, they begin A rising temple to the Paphian queen.

From The Aeneid English by Virgil

Unless I have the pledge that you will wed, Though not to be his wife and free to leave him, This Paphian, And with him from Lusignan hence will pass.

From Yolanda of Cyprus by Rice, Cale Young

Thus Bion, in his Lament: 'A tear the Paphian sheds for each blood-drop of Adonis, and tears and blood on the earth are turned to flowers.

From Storyology Essays in Folk-Lore, Sea-Lore, and Plant-Lore by Taylor, Benjamin