Showing posts with label Cicisbeo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cicisbeo. Show all posts

Monday, April 12, 2010

18th Century Terminology: Cicisbeo

Cicisbeo
(chi-chez-bay-o) pl: cicisbei

A married lady's gallant or lover who would attend her in public. The practice of having a cicisbeo was socially acceptable and allowed by a husband, although some cicisbei were also lovers, whether the husband knew or not.

Lady D- was seen in Ranelagh Gardens last night with her new cicisbeo.