1. a married woman’s male companion or escort, especially in 18th-century Italian society
Usage: historical; Italian origin

Examples

• The countess appeared at the opera with her cicisbeo by her side.
• In 18th-century Venice, it was common for noble ladies to have a cicisbeo.
• The role of cicisbeo was socially accepted in Italian aristocratic circles.
• Her husband approved of her choice of cicisbeo for the social season.
• The cicisbeo accompanied the lady to all public events and gatherings.