paranymphs

An exquisite dulcet epithalame of most mollificative suadency for juveniles amatory whom the odoriferous flambeaus of the paranymphs have escorted to the quadrupedal proscenium of connubial communion.

Ulysses 2003

An exquisite dulcet epithalame of most mollificative suadency for juveniles amatory whom the odoriferous flambeaus of the paranymphs have escorted to the quadrupedal proscenium of connubial communion.

Ulysses James Joyce 1911

And before long I found that these were themselves but precursors of that which was to come, and that like the paranymphs who escort the bride, they did but apparel the heart for a deeper and more abiding joy.

Apologia Diffidentis 1905

The precise functions of these paranymphs, or under-studies of wives, together with the rules governing their selection, are doubtless clearly enough described in the Rites of _Chou_; but we are only dealing here with concrete facts as recorded.

Ancient China Simplified Edward Harper Parker 1887

A large number of paranymphs, or "friends of the bridegroom," furnished, no doubt, by the bride's family, attended his party, ostensibly to honor the nuptials, but really as spies on his proceedings.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible 1871

“When the bridegroom and bride are to be blessed by the priest they are to be presented by their parents and paranymphs.

A Source Book for Ancient Church History Joseph Cullen Ayer 1905