noun
rumor of a romance
Refers to gossip or hearsay about a romantic relationship. Often used in literary or slightly old-fashioned contexts.
二人の間に徒名が立った。
A rumor of a romance spread about the two of them.
噂 is a general word for rumor or gossip, while 徒名 specifically refers to a rumor about a romantic relationship.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 徒 (vain, futile) and 名 (name, reputation) suggest a 'groundless name' or 'unfounded reputation', fitting the meaning of a romantic rumor.