/par"euh nimf'/ , n.
1. a groomsman or a bridesmaid.
2. (in ancient Greece)
a. a friend who accompanied the bridegroom when he went to bring home the bride.
b. the bridesmaid who escorted the bride to the bridegroom.
[ 1585-95; paranymphus paránymphos (masc. and fem.) groomsman, bridesmaid, lit., person beside the bride. See PARA- 1 , NYMPH ]