Dithyramb

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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