A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Paranymph, n. [e.m.E. (1593), F. paranymphe, L. paranymphus.] A paranymph, a bridesmaid; also appar. one who ‘gives away’ a bride; an advocate or supporter. —a1538 Abell 27 b.
He institute that ane man mycht nocht haif ane wife lauchfullie bot gif sche wer … solempnitlie offerit be hir frendis & kepit be hir paranymph Ib. 120 a.
Thare is ane lawd brodir amang the laif callit Petir of Gante. … He is principall paranymph gewand on halie dais with gret solempnite Cristin madynis weill instrukkit in mariage to the forsaid barnis
