paranymph

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromπαράνυμφος“friend of bridegroom”
2. Latin · derived fromparanymphus
3. Middle French · derived fromparanymphe
4. English todayparanymph

From Middle French paranymphe, from Latin paranymphus, from Ancient Greek παράνυμφος (paránumphos, “friend of bridegroom”), from παρα- (para-, “para-”) + νύμφη (númphē, “bride”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. A friend of the bridegroom; a best man; a bridesmaid.
• from 16th c. An ally or spokesman; someone who speaks in support of someone else.