1. a person who accompanies or supports another at a ceremony, especially a wedding attendant or best man
Usage: archaic; formal
2. in ancient Greece, a friend who accompanied a bridegroom when he went to fetch his bride
Usage: historical; ancient Greek

Examples

• The groom chose his brother as his paranymph for the wedding ceremony.
• In ancient Greek tradition, the paranymph played an important role in marriage rituals.
• The paranymph stood beside the bridegroom throughout the festivities.
• Historical texts describe the duties of a paranymph in classical weddings.
• The role of paranymph has largely disappeared from modern wedding customs.
• Ancient Greek literature often mentions the paranymph as a trusted friend.