Par"a*nymph (?), n. [L. paranymphus, Gr. ; beside, near + a bride: cf. F. paranymphe.]
1. Gr. Antiq. (a)
A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride.
Milton. (b)
The bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom.
2.
Hence: An ally; a supporter or abettor.
Jer. Taylor.
© Webster 1913.