Definition of the word suitor

The word "suitor" originated in the Middle English language in the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word "suer," which itself derived from the Latin word "suitor" meaning "one who asks a favor." In medieval Europe, the term "suitor" referred to a man seeking the hand of a woman in marriage. The man would formally make a proposal to the woman's father or other male relative, known as the "suzerain." The term "suiter" still holdsthis dating connotation today, but has also come to mean a person seeking employment, political support, or any other kind of favor or advantage in general. In this broader sense, a suitor is someone who makes a request or application for something desired.