An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One who engages in an activity (study, science, or sport) as a pastime rather than as a profession. → amateur astronomer, → amateur astronomy.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. amateur “lover of, one who has a taste for (something),” from L. amator “lover,” from amare “to love.”

Etymology (PE): Dustkâr, a variant of dustâr, dustdâr “he who likes, lover, supporter,” from dust “friend, lover” + kâr “occupation, → work.”