epigraph

epigraph
epigram, epigraph
Both words come from the same Greek roots meaning ‘to write (or written) on’. Epigram is slightly earlier (16c) and has two principal meanings in current use, (1) a short poem with a witty or ingenious ending, and (2) a terse or pungent saying. A third meaning, a dedicatory or explanatory inscription on a building, tomb, coin, etc., is now obsolete and is supplied by epigraph, which also means a short quotation or pithy sentence put at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc., as a foretaste of the leading idea or sentiment to be found in the work.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Epigráph — (lat. Inscriptio), Auf oder Inschrift an einem Gegenstand, einem Haus etc.; auch soviel wie Denkspruch; daher Epigraphik, Inschriftenkunde (s. Inschriften); Epigraphiker oder Epigraph, Inschriftenforscher …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Epigraph — Ep i*graph, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ?: cf. F. [ e]pigraphe. See {Epigram}.] 1. Any inscription set upon a building; especially, one which has to do with the building itself, its founding or dedication. [1913 Webster] 2. (Literature) A citation from some… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Epigraph — Epigraph, Aufschrift an Gebäuden, Münzen u. s. w. B–l …   Damen Conversations Lexikon

  • epigraph — 1620s, inscription on a building, statue, etc., from Gk. epigraphe an inscription, from epigraphein to write on, from epi on (see EPI (Cf. epi )) + graphein to write (see GRAPHY (Cf. graphy)). Sense of motto; short, pithy sentence at the …   Etymology dictionary

  • epigraph — ► NOUN 1) an inscription on a building, statue, or coin. 2) a short quotation or saying introducing a book or chapter. ORIGIN from Greek epigraphein write on …   English terms dictionary

  • epigraph — [ep′ə graf΄] n. [Gr epigraphē, inscription < epigraphein: see EPIGRAM] 1. an inscription on a building, monument, etc. 2. a brief quotation placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc …   English World dictionary

  • Epigraph — Das Wort Epigraph ist eine veraltete Bezeichnung für eine antike Inschrift, siehe Epigraph (Literatur) die Menge der Punkte auf oder über einem Funktionsgraph, siehe Epigraph (Mathematik) Siehe auch:  Wiktionary: Epigraph –… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Epigraph — An epigraph is any one of the following:* an inscription, as studied in the archeological sub discipline of Epigraphy (archaeology) * Epigraph (literature) * Epigraph (mathematics) …   Wikipedia

  • epigraph — UK [ˈepɪˌɡrɑːf] / US [ˈepɪˌɡræf] noun [countable] Word forms epigraph : singular epigraph plural epigraphs a short piece of writing put at the beginning of a book or on a building or statue …   English dictionary

  • Epigraph — antike Inschrift * * * Epi|graph 〈n. 11〉 = Epigraf * * * Epi|graph usw.: ↑ Epigraf usw. * * * Epigraph   [zu griechisch epigráphein »darauf schreiben«, »einritzen«] das, s/ e, antike Inschrift …   Universal-Lexikon

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