Beard (companion)
Beard is a slang term describing a person who is used, knowingly or unknowingly, as a date, romantic partner (boyfriend or girlfriend), or spouse either to conceal infidelity or to conceal one's sexual orientation.
The American slang term originally referred to anyone who acted on behalf of another, in any transaction, to conceal a person's true identity.
The term can be used in heterosexual and homosexual contexts, but with increasing acceptance of gay culture, references to beards are seen in mainstream television and movies as well as other entertainment.
Read more about Beard (companion): Concealing Infidelity, Concealing Sexual Orientation, Satirical Use
Famous quotes containing the word beard:
“In England and America a beard usually means that its owner would rather be considered venerable than virile; on the continent of Europe it often means that its owner makes a special claim to virility.”
—Rebecca West (1892–1983)