suitor
suitor Lexical Profile
suitor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person (historically and especially a man) who courts or pursues a romantic relationship with someone with the intention of marriage.
"In the nineteenth-century novel, the wealthy heiress rejected several eager suitors before choosing to marry for love."
A company, investor, or organization that seeks to acquire, merge with, or take control of another business.
"The struggling technology startup attracted interest from several corporate suitors looking to expand their software portfolios."
A party who brings a petition or lawsuit before a court of law.
"Under the ancient statute, every suitor was entitled to have their grievance heard by the magistrate."
• Rhymes for suitor
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman suitor, ultimately from Latin secutor ('follower' or 'pursuer'), from the verb sequi ('to follow'). Originally used in legal contexts for a petitioner or follower of a feudal court, it acquired the sense of a romantic wooer in the late 16th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.