Dorian

adjective

1. 1

   Of or relating to the Dorians.

2. 2

   Homosexual, gay; preferring exclusively men as romantic or sexual partners; male counterpart of lesbian.

   while the [Dorian] love of males for males in Greece obtained moralisation, and reached the high position of a recognised social function, the [Lesbian] love of female for female remained undeveloped and unhonoured

   All the Spartan kings and generals grew up under the institution of Dorian love. Epameinondas and Alexander were notable lovers; and the names of their comrades are recorded.

   And the evidence from Symonds's Memoirs seems to suggest that 'Ionian' implied pederastic relations, as attested in ancient Athens, whereas 'Dorian' involved two virile men.

   Dorian love, on the other hand, was a love between two virile equals, and so exceptional and unique.

3. 3

   Of or relating to the oceanid Doris in Greek mythology.

4. 4

   Of or relating to the asteroid (48) Doris.

noun

1. 1

   A member of the Dorians.

proper noun

1. 1

   A male given name from Ancient Greek, famously used by Oscar Wilde in his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891).

2. 2

   A female given name.

Forms

plural

Dorians

comparative

more Dorian

superlative

most Dorian