suitor
UK: ˈsuːtə | US: ˈsuːtər
n. a man who courts or woos a woman
n. (law) a plaintiff or petitioner in a lawsuit
The word "suitor" originates from the Anglo-French term suitour, derived from the Latin sequitor (one who follows), itself from sequi (to follow). The root "suit" reflects the idea of pursuit—whether romantic (courting) or legal (petitioning). The suffix "-or" denotes an agent, emphasizing the active role of the suitor. Over time, the term narrowed to primarily romantic contexts in everyday usage, while retaining its legal meaning in formal settings.
The young suitor brought flowers to his beloved every Sunday.
In the 19th century, a suitor often asked a father’s permission to court his daughter.
The court dismissed the suitor’s claim due to lack of evidence.
She had many suitors but remained unmarried by choice.
The suitor filed a lawsuit to contest the will.