1. (n.) A friend of the bridegroom who went with him in his chariot to fetch home the bride.

2. (n.) The bridesmaid who conducted the bride to the bridegroom.

3. (n.) An ally; a supporter or abettor.

Maecenas abettor acolyte adjutant admirer advocate aficionado agent aid aide aide-de-camp aider alter ego alternate amicus curiae angel apologist assistant attendant attorney auxiliary backer backup backup man best man bridemaiden bridesmaid bridesman buff champion coadjutant coadjutor coadjutress coadjutrix defender dependence deputy dummy encourager endorser executive officer exponent fan favorer figurehead friend at court groomsman help helper helpmate helpmeet lieutenant locum locum tenens lover mainstay maintainer matron of honor paraprofessional partisan patron pinch hitter pleader procurator promoter protagonist proxy reliance representative second second in command secondary seconder sectary servant sideman sider sponsor stalwart stand-in standby substitute support supporter supporting actor supporting instrumentalist surrogate sustainer sympathizer understudy upholder usher utility man vicar vicar general vice vicegerent votary wedding attendant wedding party well-wisher