Amorettos

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Small decorative figures representing cherubs or cupids; diminutive sculptures or motifs often used in art and ornamentation; little amorous or romantic symbols typically portraying winged infant beings
2. Miniature angelic or cupid-like figures used as ornamental elements; tiny representations of love-inspired cherubs in artistic contexts; small sculpted or painted forms symbolizing affection or romance
3. Little stylized depictions of cherubic or cupid characters in decorative arts; compact, often playful sculptures or images used to signify love or romantic themes; small artistic motifs of winged infants associated with affection and passion

Etymology: "Amorettos" is the plural of "amoretto", which is Italian for a little Cupid. The Italian word is a diminutive of "amore", meaning love, and it refers to Amore, the god of love, the same figure the Romans knew as Cupid. Italian diminutives add a suffix to a base word to make it smaller or fonder, so "amoretto" is essentially "little love" applied to a small winged god, or to the infant figures that stood in for him. The word's sense is shaped by how Renaissance and later artists used those figures. Plump, winged infants appeared on tombs, ceilings, furniture and frames, so the term came to name the decorative putti themselves rather than the god. The English term is borrowed directly from Italian, and the plural follows the Italian pattern of adding "s" for an English-style plural, which is why it is "amorettos" rather than the Italian "amoretti".