paranymph

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: par=a=nymph

CIDE DICTIONARY

paranymph, n. [L. paranymphus, Gr. ; para` beside, near + a bride: cf. F. paranymphe.].

•  A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride.  [1913 Webster]
•  An ally; a supporter or abettor.  Jer. Taylor.  [1913 Webster]

THESAURUS

paranymph

Maecenas, abettor, acolyte, adjutant, admirer, advocate, aficionado, agent, aid, aide, aide-de-camp, aider, alter ego, alternate, amicus curiae, angel, apologist, assistant, attendant, attorney, auxiliary, backer, backup, backup man, best man, bridemaiden, bridesmaid, bridesman, buff, champion, coadjutant, coadjutor, coadjutress, coadjutrix, defender, dependence, deputy, dummy, encourager, endorser, executive officer, exponent, fan, favorer, figurehead, friend at court, groomsman, help, helper, helpmate, helpmeet, lieutenant, locum, locum tenens, lover, mainstay, maintainer, matron of honor, paraprofessional, partisan, patron, pinch hitter, pleader, procurator, promoter, protagonist, proxy, reliance, representative, second, second in command, secondary, seconder, sectary, servant, sideman, sider, sponsor, stalwart, stand-in, standby, substitute, support, supporter, supporting actor, supporting instrumentalist, surrogate, sustainer, sympathizer, understudy, upholder, usher, utility man, vicar, vicar general, vice, vicegerent, votary, wedding attendant, wedding party, well-wisher