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Webster 1913 Edition
Epigram
Ep′i-gram
,Noun.
[L.
epigramma
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] inscription, epigram, fr. [GREEK] to write upon, ἐπί
upon + [GREEK] to write: cf. F. épigramme
. See Graphic
.] 1.
A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character.
Dost thou think I care for a satire or an
epigram
? Shakespeare
☞ Epigrams were originally inscription on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, etc.
2.
An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose.
3.
The style of the epigram.
Webster 1828 Edition
Epigram
EP'IGRAM
,Noun.
Epigrams were originally inscriptions on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, &c.
Definition 2024
epigram
epigram
English
Alternative forms
Noun
epigram (plural epigrams)
- (obsolete) An inscription in stone.
- A brief but witty saying.
- A short, witty or pithy poem.
- When an epigram one's composin',
- brevity is key,
- of stanzas: one should be chosen,
- and of lines: one more than three.
Related terms
Translations
inscription in stone
brief but witty saying
short, witty or pithy poem