meretrix

noun

mer·​e·​trix

ˈmerə̇(ˌ)‧triks

plural meretrices

ˌmerə̇‧ˈtrī(ˌ)sēz

: prostitute

with my lamentable visits to the Ring at Blackfriars, or to my meretrix in Holland Park

—Cyril Connolly

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from merēre to earn, gain

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