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paean definition

paean (pē′ən)

noun

  1. in ancient Greece, a hymn of thanksgiving to the gods, esp. to Apollo
  2. a song of joy, triumph, praise, etc.

Etymology: L < Gr paian, hymn < Paian, the healing one, epithet of Apollo < paiein, to strike, touch < ? IE base *pēu- > pave

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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