ETYMOLOGY
from Greek ϕιλο-, ϕιλ-, combining form from root of ϕιλεῖν (to love), ϕίλ-ος (dear, friend)
+ θήρ (wild beast)
EXAMPLE
“…It is the reply of an old fisher-woman, when reproved by some Philotherian for skinning eels alive.
“Sir,” said she, “I have skinned them thusly for nearly fifty years; and they have got so used to it, they don’t mind it one bit.”…”
From: The Harvard Advocate
Vol. XI. Cambridge, Mass., February 28, 1871. No. I
Editorial
Lexicophilia 