Boozer
07-12-05, 11:35PM
orphic • \OR-fik\ • adjective
1 capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the rites or doctrines ascribed to him
*2 : mystic, oracular
3 : fascinating, entrancing
Example sentence:
"He liked to speak in orphic epigrams that one listened to respectfully but was not expected to dispute." (Donal Henahan, The New York Times, June 14, 1987)
Did you know?
Orpheus was a hero of Greek mythology who was supposed to possess superhuman musical skills. With his legendary lyre, he was said to be able to make even the rocks and trees dance around. In fact, when his wife Eurydice died, he used his lyre to convince Hades to allow her to return from the underworld (though he ultimately failed in this attempt because he broke his promise to not look back as they were leaving). Later on, according to legend, he was killed at the bidding of Dionysus, and an oracle of Orpheus was established that came to rival the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Because of the oracle of Orpheus, "orphic" can mean "oracular." Because of Orpheus' musical powers, "orphic" can mean "entrancing."
*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.
I find very few things orphic enough to keep my attention for a long time.
1 capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the rites or doctrines ascribed to him
*2 : mystic, oracular
3 : fascinating, entrancing
Example sentence:
"He liked to speak in orphic epigrams that one listened to respectfully but was not expected to dispute." (Donal Henahan, The New York Times, June 14, 1987)
Did you know?
Orpheus was a hero of Greek mythology who was supposed to possess superhuman musical skills. With his legendary lyre, he was said to be able to make even the rocks and trees dance around. In fact, when his wife Eurydice died, he used his lyre to convince Hades to allow her to return from the underworld (though he ultimately failed in this attempt because he broke his promise to not look back as they were leaving). Later on, according to legend, he was killed at the bidding of Dionysus, and an oracle of Orpheus was established that came to rival the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Because of the oracle of Orpheus, "orphic" can mean "oracular." Because of Orpheus' musical powers, "orphic" can mean "entrancing."
*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.
I find very few things orphic enough to keep my attention for a long time.