Search Result for "epigram": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (1)

1. a witty saying;
[syn: epigram, quip]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Epigram \Ep"i*gram\, n. [L. epigramma, fr. Gr. ? inscription, epigram, fr. ? to write upon, 'epi` upon + ? to write: cf. F. ['e]pigramme. See Graphic.] 1. A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character. [1913 Webster] Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram? --Shak. [1913 Webster] Note: Epigrams were originally inscription on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, etc. [1913 Webster] 2. An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose. [1913 Webster] 3. The style of the epigram. [1913 Webster] Antithesis, i. e., bilateral stroke, is the soul of epigram in its later and technical signification. --B. Cracroft. Epigrammatic
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

epigram n 1: a witty saying [syn: epigram, quip]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

EPIGRAM, n. A short, sharp saying in prose or verse, frequently characterize by acidity or acerbity and sometimes by wisdom. Following are some of the more notable epigrams of the learned and ingenious Dr. Jamrach Holobom: We know better the needs of ourselves than of others. To serve oneself is economy of administration. In each human heart are a tiger, a pig, an ass and a nightingale. Diversity of character is due to their unequal activity. There are three sexes; males, females and girls. Beauty in women and distinction in men are alike in this: they seem to be the unthinking a kind of credibility. Women in love are less ashamed than men. They have less to be ashamed of. While your friend holds you affectionately by both your hands you are safe, for you can watch both his.