ˈparə+ˌ- noun
Etymology: Late Latin paranymphus, masculine, & Medieval Latin paranympha, feminine, from Greek paranymphos, masculine & feminine, from para- para- (I) + nymphē bride — more at nymph
1. : a friend who went with a bridegroom in a chariot to fetch home the bride in ancient Greece ; also : the bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom
2.
a. : best man
b. : bridesmaid
c. : one who solicits or speaks for another : advocate