Leman

[cnichol]

I found this word in an Oscar Wilde short story called "The Fisherman and His Soul". The sentance is "[T]hy leman is lost, and thou shalt be lost with her." It refers to a mermaid that the fisherman is in love with, but I'm not sure if the word is a term for mermaid or girlfriend or lover or what. Any thoughts?

Christy Nichols

[Perry Lassiter]

American Heritage Dictionary confirms you definition as lover, sweetheart or mistress. Comes from ME leofman, with leof meaning dear. Interesting word.