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paramour

1. A lover, of either sex; a wooer or a mistress (formerly in a good sense, now only in a bad one); one who takes the place, without possessing the rights, of a husband or wife; used of a man or a woman. The seducer appeared with dauntless front, accompanied by his paramour (Macaulay)

2. Love; gallantry. For paramour and jollity.

Origin: F. Par amour, lit, by or with love. See Par, and Amour.