dithyramb

2 definitions found

dithyramb - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dithyramb \Dith"y*ramb\, n. [L. dithyrambus, Gr. ? 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.
     [1913 Webster]

dithyramb - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  dithyramb
      n 1: a wildly enthusiastic speech or piece of writing
      2: (ancient Greece) a passionate hymn (usually in honor of
         Dionysus)