dithyramb

views updated Jun 08 2018

dithyramb Greek choric hymn in honour of Dionysus (Bacchus) XVII; inflated discourse XIX. — L. dīthyrambus — Gr. dīthúrambos, of unkn. orig.
So dithyrambic XVII.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

dithyramb

views updated May 21 2018

dithyramb (from Gr. dithyrambos). In ancient Greece an intoxicated song in honour of the god Dionysus; in modern usage applied to a comp. of wild, passionate character.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

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