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Webster 1913 Edition


Dithyramb

Dith′y-ramb

,
Noun.
[L.
dithyrambus
, Gr. [GREEK] a kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus; also, a name of Bacchus; of unknown origin: cf. F.
dithyrambe
.]
A kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus, usually sung by a band of revelers to a flute accompaniment; hence, in general, a poem written in a wild irregular strain.
Bentley.

Webster 1828 Edition


Dithyramb

DITHYRAMB

, DITHYRAMBUS,
Noun.
[Gr.] In ancient poetry, a hymn in honor of Bacchus, full of transport and poetical rage. Of this species of writing we have no remains.

Definition 2024


dithyramb

dithyramb

English

Noun

dithyramb (plural dithyrambs)

  1. A choral hymn sung in ancient Athens in honor of the god Dionysus.
  2. A poem or oration in the same style.
    • 1969, Robert Conquest, “George Orwell”, in Arias from a Love Opera, and Other Poems, Macmillan, page 32,
      While those who drown a truth’s empiric part
      In dithyramb or dogma turn frenetic;
      — Than whom no writer could be less poetic
      He left this lesson for all verse, all art.

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