Etymology
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paean (n.)

"hymn of praise, song of triumph;" in general use, "a loud and joyous song," 1590s, from Latin paean "hymn of deliverance, hymn to a help-giving god," from Greek paian "hymn, chant, hymn to Apollo," from Paian, Paiōn, a name of the god of healing; originally the physician of the gods (in Homer), later merged with Apollo; literally "one who touches" (i.e. "one who heals by a touch"), probably taken from a phrase or word at the beginning of the hymn, from paio "to touch, strike." The notion seems to be either a cry asking for aid in war or other trouble, or a giving thanks for aid received.

Entries linking to paean

paeon (n.)

metrical foot of one long and three short syllables (in any order), c. 1600, from Latin paeon, from Greek paiōn (see paean). Related: Paeonic.

peony (n.)

type of strong-growing perennial of the family Pæonia, with large, showy, globular flowers, familiar in gardens, Middle English pyony, a merger of Old English peonie and Old North French pione (Modern French pivoine), both from Late Latin peonia, from Latin pæonia, from Greek paionia (fem. of paionios), perhaps from Paiōn, name of the physician of the gods (or Apollo in this aspect), and so called for the plant's healing qualities (see paean). The root, flowers, and seeds formerly were used in medicine. The modern spelling is from 16c.

updated on December 07, 2019

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Dictionary entries near paean

paddy

Paddy

padlock

padre

Padua

paean

paedagogy

paederasty

paedeutics

paediatric

paediatrician

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