Word Study
cuckold
CIDE DICTIONARY
cuckold, n. [OE. kukeweld, cokewold, cokold, fr. OF. coucoul, cucuault, the last syllable being modified by the OE. suffix -wold (see Herald); cf. F. cocu a cuckold, formerly also, a cuckoo, and L. cuculus a cuckoo. The word alludes to the habit of the female cuckoo, who lays her eggs in the nests of other birds, to be hatched by them.].
- A man whose wife is unfaithful; the husband of an adulteress. Shak. [1913 Webster]
- A West Indian plectognath fish (
Ostracion triqueter ). [1913 Webster]
cuckold, v. t.
To make a cuckold of, as a husband, by seducing his wife, or by her becoming an adulteress. Shak. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cuckold, n. & v.
--n. the husband of an adulteress.
--v.tr. make a cuckold of.
--n. the husband of an adulteress.
--v.tr. make a cuckold of.
Derivative
cuckoldry n.
Etymology
ME cukeweld, cokewold, f. OF cucu cuckoo
ROGET THESAURUS
cuckold
Divorce
N divorce, divorcement, separation, judicial separation, separate maintenance, separatio a mensa et thoro, separatio a vinculo matrimonii, trial separation, breakup, annulment, widowhood, viduity, weeds, widow, widower, relict, dowager, divorcee, cuckold, grass widow, grass widower, merry widow.For further exploring for "cuckold" in Webster Dictionary Online
