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Pythian, a. (n.)|ˈpɪθɪən, ˈpaɪ-|
[f. L. Pȳthi-us (a. Gr. Πῡ́θιος of Delphi, or the Delphic Apollo) + -an.
Πῡ́θιος is now generally held to have been derived from Πῡθώ or Πῡ́θων, the older name of Delphi and the surrounding region; but it was in ancient times connected with the legend of the πύθων or monstrous snake said to have been slain there by Apollo: see python1.]
Of or pertaining to Delphi, or to the oracle and priestess of Apollo there; also, of or pertaining to the games held near Delphi.
Pythian Apollo, Apollo in his legendary and oracular connexion with Delphi. Pythian games, one of the four national festivals of the Greeks, held near Delphi. Pythian meter or Pythian verse (L. versus Pythius), the dactylic hexameter; said to be so called either from its use in the Pythian oracles, or from the first song of triumph to Apollo on his victory over the Python.
1603Pythian games [see Pythic]. 1655Stanley Hist. Philos. iii. Socrates v. (1687) 75/1 The Pythian Oracle. 1660Ibid. ix. Pythagoras xiii. 502/1 To Discourse..in the Temple of Pythian Apollo to the Boys. 1667[see python1 1]. 1797Holcroft Stolberg's Trav. (ed. 2) II. lxiii. 430 Pindar mentions this victory in his first Pythian hymn. 1807Robinson Archæol. Græca iii. xxii, The Pythian Games were celebrated in honor of Apollo near Delphi..The most common opinion is that Apollo himself was the author of them after he had overcome Python, a serpent or cruel tyrant. 1842L. Schmitz in Smith Dict. Gr. & Rom. Antiq. s.v. Pythia, Previous to Ol[ympiad] 48 the Pythian games..had been celebrated at the end of every eighth year, but [after Ol. 48. 3] they were held at the end of every fourth year. 1879P. Brooks Influence Jesus iv. 268 The self-excitement of the Pythian damsel on her tripod. 1884J. Tait Mind in Matter (1892) 255 The Pythian deliverances became very intermittent after the birth of Christ, and ceased finally in the time of the Apostles.
B. n. A native or inhabitant of Delphi; spec. the Delphic priestess; hence, one who is ecstatic or frenzied like the priestess; also, an appellation of the Delphic Apollo; hence transf.
1598Marston Sco. Villanie ii. vi. (1599) 201 But when I sawe him read my fustian, And heard him sweare I was a Pythian. 1821Shelley Adonais xxviii, How they fled, When like Apollo, from his golden bow, The Pythian of the age one arrow sped And smiled! 1844Mrs. Browning Vis. Poets clxxvi, If poets on the tripod must Writhe like the Pythian to make just Their oracles and merit trust. 1860Ruskin Mod. Paint. V. ix. xi. §10. 327 That Contest of Apollo with the Python..the victor deity..took his great name from it..the Pythian. |