Herlot
/ˈhɛr.lɒt/noun
An obsolete or dialectal variant spelling of harlot, historically meaning a rogue, rascal, or sexually immoral person.
Did you know?The word’s meaning shifted dramatically: medieval harlot could describe a male vagabond or servant before it became primarily associated with prostitution.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Old French
herlot
“A wandering person, rogue, or low-status individual; the precise origin is uncertain.”
Middle English
Middle English
herlot
“A rogue, rascal, or disreputable person; a variant of harlot.”
14th Century
Middle English
harlot
“A male servant, vagabond, or low-born person; later increasingly a sexually immoral person.”
16th Century
English
harlot
“A prostitute or sexually promiscuous woman, the sense that became dominant.”
Modern English
English
herlot
“An obsolete or dialectal spelling surviving mainly in historical or antiquarian sources.”