Procus

Procus (pl. Proci) is a Latin word meaning "suitor" or "wooer." It is most famously associated with the suitors of Penelope in Homer's Odyssey. These were numerous men, primarily from Ithaca and neighboring islands, who consumed Odysseus' resources and pressed Penelope to marry one of them during his prolonged absence after the Trojan War. Their arrogant and disrespectful behavior ultimately led to their downfall when Odysseus returned and, with the help of his son Telemachus and loyal servants, slew them all.

The term procus carries a strong connotation of unwanted or unwelcome attention, particularly when the suitor is persistent and disregards the desires of the object of their affection. In literature and common parlance, the term can be used to describe someone who is overly persistent in their pursuit of a romantic partner, often to the point of being bothersome or even threatening. While the literal translation is simply "suitor," the historical and literary context imbues procus with negative connotations.

Beyond its literal meaning, procus can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who aggressively seeks something, such as power, influence, or wealth. In this context, the suitor figure is less about romantic love and more about grasping and exploiting a desired resource or position. The term retains its negative connotation of forceful and unwelcome pursuit.