Dictionary entry

Harlot

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Har″lot (–lŏt), n. [OE. harlot, herlot, a vagabond, OF. harlot, herlot, arlot; cf. Pr. arlot, Sp. arlote, It. arlotto; of uncertain origin.] 1. A churl; a common man; a person, male or female, of low birth.

He was a gentle harlot and a kind. Chaucer.

2. A person given to low conduct; a rogue; a cheat; a rascal. Chaucer.

3. A woman who prostitutes her body for hire; a prostitute; a common woman; a strumpet.