paean - definition, synonyms and pronunciation

Open English WordNet

a formal expression of praiseSynonyms: encomium eulogy panegyric peanType of praise, congratulations
(ancient Greece) a hymn of praise (especially one sung in ancient Greece to invoke or thank a deity)Synonyms: peanType of hymn, anthem

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Pæ′an (pē′an), noun [Written also pean.]

Origin: L. paean, Gr. παιάν, fr. Παιάν the physician of the gods, later, Apollo. Cf. Pæon, Peony.

1. An ancient Greek hymn in honor of Apollo as a healing deity, and, later, a song addressed to other deities.

2. Any loud and joyous song; a song of triumph, joy, or praise. John Dryden “Public pæans of congratulation.” Thomas DeQuincey

3. See Pæon.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54