Lothario
(ləʊˈθɛərɪəʊ)
Allusive use of the name of one of the characters in Rowe's Fair Penitent: often qualified by gay.
The name had previously been used for a somewhat similar character by Davenant in his Cruel Brother 1630.
A libertine, gay deceiver, rake.
| [1703 Rowe Fair Penit. v. i. H 3 Is this that Haughty, Gallant, Gay Lothario?] 1756 World No. 202 ¶8 The gay Lothario dresses for the fight. 1812 Moore Intercepted Lett. viii. 31 Both gay Lotharios. 1849 Lytton Caxtons xviii. vi. III. 278 No woman could have been more flattered and courted by Lotharios and lady-killers than Lady Castleton has been. 1887 W. S. Gilbert Ruddigore 1, A devil of a fellow—a regular Lothario. |