Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cicisbeo

Noun
/ˌtʃɪtʃɪˈbeɪ.oʊ/
Definition
A male escort or companion, particularly one who is romantically involved with a married woman.
Examples
  • In 18th century Italy, a husband’s approval was often needed for a woman to have a cicisbeo.
  • The novel featured a cicisbeo who charmed every woman in the salon.
Meaning
Historically, a cicisbeo is a man who acts as a companion to a woman, often in a romantic context, especially in a situation where the woman is married.
Synonyms
  • Companion
  • Escort
  • Paramour