noun
harlot
HAR-lut/ˈhɑːrlət/
An old-fashioned, derogatory term for a prostitute.
The period tale calls the woman accepting payment at the brothel a harlot.
Etymology
Herlot originally labeled a vagabond or scoundrel, usually male. The later sense “prostitute” became established in English and was reinforced by its use in Bible translations.
In context
a notorious prostitute forces herself into the company, I, into such close proximity that the breath of the harlot fans the cheek of the virtuous innocent.
More examples
- In the old play, a harlot waits outside the tavern.
- The translation uses “harlot” where a modern version says “prostitute.”
- The novel portrays the harlots as women with few choices.
Forms
harlot · harlots
Similar words
- prostitute
- The standard modern term, without the deliberately old-fashioned tone.
- whore
- A vulgar, offensive alternative rather than an old-fashioned literary term.