paean

views updated Jun 08 2018

pae·an / ˈpēən/ • n. a song of praise or triumph. ∎  a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise: his books are paeans to combat.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

paean

views updated May 18 2018

paean song of triumph or exultation. XVI. — L. pæän — Gr. paiā́n hymn to Apollo invoked by the name Paiā́n, Doric var. of Ionic Paiḗōn, Attic Paiṓn, orig. the Homeric name of the physician of the gods, afterwards Apollo.

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

paean

views updated Jun 11 2018

paean a song of praise or thanksgiving. Recorded from the late 16th century, the word comes via Latin from Greek paian ‘hymn of thanksgiving to Apollo’ (evoked by the name Paian, originally the Homeric name for the physician of the gods).

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

paean

views updated Jun 11 2018

paean. Song of triumph or praise (orig. to Apollo).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

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