temptor

Temptor is an English noun that denotes a person or agent who tempts others to take a particular action, especially toward sin or vice. In contemporary usage, temptor is uncommon and largely superseded by “tempter.” It may appear in religious or moral discourse as an archaic or literary option. In fantasy fiction or game settings, Temptor may also serve as a proper noun—used for a character, title, or organization to evoke the act of temptation.

Etymology and history: Temptor derives from Latin temptor, the agent noun of temptare “to test, to tempt.” It entered English through medieval Latin or Old English texts. Historically, temptor has been used to describe a person who entices others into wrongdoing or vice; in many religious contexts the term is used interchangeably with “tempter,” with “tempter” more common in modern prose.

Usage notes: While linguistically neutral, temptor is now predominantly found in older or stylistic writings. It should not be confused with temptress, which denotes a female who tempts, or with temptation, the act or state of tempting. When used as a proper noun, Temptor typically carries a thematic association with seduction or moral testing.