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pyrrhic

   Also found in: Idioms, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
pyr·rhic  (prk)
n.
A metrical foot having two short or unaccented syllables.
adj.
Of or characterized by pyrrhics.

[Latin pyrrhicius, from Greek purrikhios, from purrikh, a war dance, perhaps from Purrikhos, supposed inventor of the dance.]

pyrrhic1 Prosody
n
(Literature / Poetry) a metrical foot of two short or unstressed syllables
adj
1. (Literature / Poetry) of or relating to such a metrical foot
2. (Literature / Poetry) (of poetry) composed in pyrrhics
[via Latin, from Greek purrhikhē, traditionally said to be named after its inventor Purrhikhos]

pyrrhic2
n
(Performing Arts / Dancing) (Historical Terms) a war dance of ancient Greece
adj
(Performing Arts / Dancing) (Historical Terms) of or relating to this dance
[Latin from Greek purrhikhios belonging to the purrhikhē war dance performed in armour; see pyrrhic1]

pyrrhic
a metrical foot composed of two short or unaccented syllables. — pyrrhic, adj.
See also: Verse
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.pyrrhic - a metrical unit with unstressed-unstressed syllables
metrical foot, metrical unit, foot - (prosody) a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm
2.pyrrhic - an ancient Greek dance imitating the motions of warfare
ceremonial dance, ritual dance, ritual dancing - a dance that is part of a religious ritual
Adj.1.pyrrhic - of or relating to a war dance of ancient Greece; "pyrrhic dance movements"
2.pyrrhic - of or relating to or containing a metrical foot of two unstressed syllables; "pyrrhic verses"
3.pyrrhic - of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans); "a Pyrrhic victory"
Translations
Pyrrhic [ˈpɪrɪk] ADJ Pyrrhic victoryvictoria f pírrica
Pyrrhic
adj Pyrrhic victoryPyrrhussieg m


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Poyser curtsied duly, and watched the two horses until they had disappeared from the yard, amidst great excitement on the part of the pigs and the poultry, and under the furious indignation of the bull-dog, who performed a Pyrrhic dance, that every moment seemed to threaten the breaking of his chain.
 
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