n.1 a person who engages in a pursuit (e.g. an art or sport) as a pastime rather than a profession.
2 (attrib.) for or done by amateurs ( amateur athletics).
3 (foll. by of) a person who is fond of (a thing).
Derivatives:
amateurism n.
Etymology: F f. It. amatore f. L amator -oris lover f. amare love