light-o'-love

[ lahyt-uh-luhv ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. a lover.
2. a prostitute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of light-o'-love¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

But what if the travelling geisha were a light-o'-love to be picked up too easily to-day and cast forth to-morrow?

From Project Gutenberg

His is a heart that never played The light-o'-love to wife or maid, But reverenced all womankind Before he found one to his mind.

From Project Gutenberg

"You little light-o'-love...." he said, in a low, level voice.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg