Paranymph1. (n.) A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride.
2. (n.) The bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom.
3. (n.) An ally; a supporter or abettor.
Thesaurus Entries
Maecenas, abettor, acolyte, adjutant, admirer, advocate, aficionado, agent, aid, aide, aide-de-camp, aider, alter ego, alternate, amicus curiae, angel, apologist, assistant, attendant, attorney, auxiliary, backer, backup, backup man, best man, bridemaiden, bridesmaid, bridesman, buff, champion, coadjutant, coadjutor, coadjutress, coadjutrix, defender, dependence, deputy, dummy, encourager, endorser, executive officer, exponent, fan, favorer, figurehead, friend at court, groomsman, help, helper, helpmate, helpmeet, lieutenant, locum, locum tenens, lover, mainstay, maintainer, matron of honor, paraprofessional, partisan, patron, pinch hitter, pleader, procurator, promoter, protagonist, proxy, reliance, representative, second, second in command, secondary, seconder, sectary, servant, sideman, sider, sponsor, stalwart, stand-in, standby, substitute, support, supporter, supporting actor, supporting instrumentalist, surrogate, sustainer, sympathizer, understudy, upholder, usher, utility man, vicar, vicar general, vice, vicegerent, votary, wedding attendant, wedding party, well-wisher