Definition of "amoretto"
amoretto
noun
plural amorettos or amoretti
(in art) A cupid or putto (representation of a naked baby or small child, often with wings).
Quotations
One of his best peeces he wrought in Pisa, which was all sorts of worldly and sensuall Epicures, rioting and banquetting vnder the shaddow of an Orenge tree, within the branches and bowes whereof, sly little Amorettos or Cupids, shooting at sundry Ladies lasciuiously dancing and dallying amongst them […]
1622, Henry Peacham, The Compleat Gentleman, London: Francis Constable, Chapter 12, “Andreas Orgagna,” p. 131
Quotations
[…] he hath espoused vs to him for euer. How doth hee himselfe sing his Amoretti, if not Epithalamion, his loues, in that Song of Songs? how did hee put on our nature, in his Incarnation, to woo vs?
1623, Samuel Purchas, The Kings Towre and Triumphant Arch of London: A sermon preached at Pauls Crosse, August 5. 1622, London, page 19
A male sweetheart, lover.
Quotations
The Amoretto was wont to take his stand at one place about the pew, where sate his Mistresse, who was a very attentive hearer of the man above her, and the sutor was as diligent an eyer of her, for having a book, and black-lead pen alwaies in his hand, (as if he took notes of the sermon) at last he got her exact picture.
1654, Edmund Gayton, Pleasant Notes upon Don Quixot, London, Notes vpon Book II. Chap. IV, p. 47