cummer

A young woman asks her cummer for advice.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woman who is a godmother: In Scottish dialect, "cummer" refers to a woman who serves as a godparent, specifically a godmother.
   • A female friend or companion: The term can also denote a woman or girl who is a close female friend or associate.
   • A woman or girl: More broadly, it can simply refer to any woman or girl, often used in informal or regional contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She was chosen as the cummer for the child's baptism. (She was selected as the godmother for the baptism.)
  • My cummer and I have been friends since childhood. (My female friend and I have been friends since childhood.)
  • In the village, every cummer was invited to the festival. (In the village, every woman was invited to the festival.)

Advanced Usage

• "cummer" in Scottish folklore: The term sometimes appears in traditional Scottish tales to refer to a female figure with mystical or nurturing roles.

  • The old cummer was known for her wisdom and healing herbs. (The old godmother was known for her wisdom and healing herbs.)

• "cummer" as a term of endearment: In some communities, it is used affectionately among women.

  • Come, dear cummer, and sit by the fire. (Come, dear friend, and sit by the fire.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cummer (same spelling): No common variants exist, but it is sometimes spelled as "kimmer" in older texts.
• Cummerbund (n): This is a completely separate word meaning a sash worn around the waist, unrelated to "cummer."
  • He wore a red cummerbund with his tuxedo. (He wore a red sash with his tuxedo.)

Synonyms

• Godmother: a woman who sponsors a child at baptism.
• Friend: a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
• Woman: an adult female human.

Phrasal Verbs

• None: "Cummer" is not used in phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• None: "Cummer" does not appear in common idiomatic expressions.

Additional Notes

• Regional and historical use: "Cummer" is primarily found in Scottish and Northern English dialects from the 16th to 19th centuries. It is rarely used in modern standard English outside of historical or literary contexts.