paean

pae·an also pe·an  (pn)

n.

1. A song of joyful praise or exultation.

2. A fervent expression of joy or praise: "The art . . . was a paean to paganism" (Will Durant).

3. An ancient Greek hymn of thanksgiving or invocation, especially to Apollo.

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[Latin paen, hymn of thanksgiving, often addressed to Apollo, from Greek pain, from Pai, a title of Apollo.]

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paean·istic (-stk) adj.

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paean [pee-an]

Noun

Literary an expression of praise or joy [Greek paian hymn to Apollo]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	paean - a formal expression of praise encomium, panegyric, pean, eulogy congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise - an expression of approval and commendation; "he always appreciated praise for his work"
	2.	paean - (ancient Greece) a hymn of praise (especially one sung in ancient Greece to invoke or thank a deity) pean hymn, anthem - a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation) Ellas, Greece, Hellenic Republic - a republic in southeastern Europe on the southern part of the Balkan peninsula; known for grapes and olives and olive oil antiquity - the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

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paean U.S. (sometimes) pean

noun (Literary) eulogy, tribute, panegyric, hymn of praise, encomium