proleptic

[ proh-lep-tik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

(of a date) retroactively calculated using a later calendar than the one used at the time:
To make comparisons more simple, all dates are shown using the proleptic Gregorian calendar—that is, the modern Western calendar extrapolated into the past.
involving or characterized by prolepsis, the anticipatory use of arguments, adjectives, etc.:
The proleptic idiom “to be dead meat” uses a present-tense description to suggest one’s future doom.
anticipatory; foreshadowing:
The proleptic detail of the borrowed scythe clearly reveals that the character’s life on stage will be of short duration.

First recorded in 1655–65; prolep(sis) ( def ) + -tic ( def )

"Hopeless is here used in a proleptic or anticipatory way" (Hales).

The italics are ours, but the proleptic idea is a happy invention of the author himself.

The adjective is redundant and "proleptic," as the bird must be "enthralled" before it can be called "captive."

Proleptic: 'The flame-tips would become bright and furnish a good omen for your prayer'.

Is Mr. Rossetti acquainted with the proleptic use of adjectives and participles?

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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