Parthian

2 definitions found

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

  Parthian \Par"thi*an\, a.
     Of or pertaining to ancient Parthia, in Asia. -- n. A native
     of Parthia.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     {Parthian arrow}, an arrow discharged at an enemy when


        retreating from him, as was the custom of the ancient
        Parthians; hence, a parting shot.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  Parthian
       adj 1: pertaining to Parthia or its people or language or culture;
              "Parthian archeology"
       2: delivered at the moment of parting as if in flight or
          retreat; "paused to deliver a parting shot at the door";
          "a Parthian volley of expletives from Uncle Billy"- Bret
          Harte [syn: {parting}]
       n : a native or inhabitant of Parthia