amour

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English amour, from Middle French amour, from Old French amor, from Latin amor. The modern pronunciation is due to continual French influence; the expected development would be /ˈæmə(ɹ)/, as seen in enamour, enamoured.

noun

1. Courtship; flirtation.
2. A love affair.
   The amours of the greater scaup are, if anything, even more varied. October 26, 1990, Jerry Sullivan, “Field & Street”, in Chicago Reader
3. A lover.
   ‘Dulce, will you go to the masquerade-ball to night?’ said I to my lesser-half, on a bright evening during the gayest part of the ‘carnival season.’ / ‘No, my amor,’ answered she; ‘I am ill this evening; do n’t go out to-night, but stay by my side, and let your cheering presence save a doctor’s fee.’ 1845 April, Ned Buntline, “A Night-Adventure in Cuba”, in The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, volume XXV, number 4, New York, N.Y.: […]John Allen,[…], page 326
   Makes you wonder how they were able to see their amours, or their hands... December 29, 2000, James McManus, “The Winter Casino”, in Chicago Reader
4. (obsolete) Love, affection.