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exemplum Definition

ex·em·plum (eg zem′pləm, ig-)

noun pl. exempla -·pla (-plə)

  1. an example; illustration
  2. a moralized tale or anecdote, esp. one included in a medieval sermon

Etymology: L, example

exemplum Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • moral: In Lady Windermere's Fan, the disgraced woman is really the Good Woman, a moral exemplum whatever her social standing.