cater-cousin
Definition
- Noun (archaic):
- Close friend or intimate companion: "cater-cousin" refers to a very close friend, often used historically to denote someone with whom one shares a deep bond, akin to a "bosom friend" or "crony."
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- In the old tales, the two knights were cater-cousins, sharing every secret. (They were close friends who trusted each other completely.)
- He called his cater-cousin to join him for the feast. (He invited his intimate friend to dine with him.)
Advanced Usage
- Historical context: The term "cater-cousin" appears in literature from the 16th to 19th centuries, often in works by Shakespeare or other Elizabethan writers, to describe a relationship of great familiarity and affection.
- Shakespeare used "cater-cousin" in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" to denote a close companion. (The word appears in a specific play to indicate a friendly bond.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cousin (n): a relative by blood or marriage, but "cater-cousin" is distinct in meaning, focusing on friendship rather than kinship.
- Cater (v, archaic): to provide food or entertainment; though not directly related, the "cater" part may derive from an old term for "vendor" or "provider," suggesting a friend who "provides" companionship.
Synonyms
- Bosom friend: a very close and trusted friend.
- Crony: a close friend, especially one from a shared history.
- Intimate: a person with whom one has a very close relationship.
Related Idioms
- To be cater-cousin with someone: to be on very familiar or intimate terms with a person.
- He was cater-cousin with the lord of the manor, dining at his table often. (He had a close, friendly relationship with the lord.)
Notes on Usage
- This word is considered archaic and is rarely used in modern English. It may appear in historical fiction, literary analysis, or discussions of old vocabulary. Its usage today would be understood only by those familiar with older English texts.