The etymology minute of the day : Comes from the Greek word "Hetaira", meaning :

1. Girl Friend
2. Girlfriend
3. Whore

--Kirochi 15:04, 25 March 2006 (EST)

Actually, as stated on the page, it translates literally to "companion."  The term's usages (oddly enough, it could mean either a high-class courtesan or a cavalryman) are also stated. —Qit el-Remel 09:06, 8 December 2007 (UTC)