pander
/ˈpæːndə/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.64 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An offer of illicit sex with a third party.
verb
To tempt with, to appeal or cater to (improper motivations, etc.); to assist in gratification.
Intransitive verb
verb
To offer (something or someone) in order to tempt or appeal, especially to base or improper motivations.
Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- "[…] if ever you prove false one, to another since I have taken such paine to bring you together let all pittifull goers betweene be cald to the worlds end after my name, call them all Panders, let all constant men be Troylusses all false woemen Cressids, and all brokers betweene panders"
- "It was not only the brilliant phalanx of virtuous dowagers, generals and academicians with whom he was most intimately associated that Swann so cynically compelled to serve him as panders."
- "Camillo was his helpe in this, his Pandar: There is a Plot against my Life, my Crowne; All's true that is mistrusted: that false Villaine, Whom I employ'd, was pre-emplot'd"
- "Those wicked panders to avarice and ambition."
- "Two small Hindu boys were waiting for me outside—small for their years (about fourteen) but infinitely worldly-wise. Hindu boys are, first, panders, and second, remarkably skillful and pertinacious beggars."
- "His latest speech panders to the worst instincts of the electorate."
Etymology
From Middle English pandare, from Chaucer’s character Pandare (in Troilus and Criseyde; see also Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida), from Italian Pandaro (found in Boccaccio), from Latin Pandarus (found in Greek mythology), from Ancient Greek Πάνδαρος (Pándaros).
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈpæːndə/
- British English: /ˈpændə/