Arlotry
/ˈɑːr.lə.tri/noun
An archaic or obsolete term meaning harlotry or prostitution.
Did you know?Middle English harlot originally referred to a low-status person, servant, or rogue of either sex before narrowing toward its later association with prostitution.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Old French
arlot / herlot
“A rogue, vagabond, or low-status person; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
12th–13th Century
Anglo-Norman
arlot
“A rogue, knave, or person of disreputable status.”
13th Century
Middle English
harlot
“A servant, low-born person, rogue, or scoundrel; used for both men and women.”
14th–15th Century
Middle English
harlotrie
“Disreputable conduct, especially behavior associated with a harlot.”
16th Century
English
arlotry
“An archaic variant spelling of harlotry, increasingly associated with prostitution.”
Modern English
English
arlotry
“An obsolete or archaic word for harlotry or prostitution.”