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orphically

 - 3 dictionary results

Or⋅phic

  [awr-fik]
Use orphically in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of or pertaining to Orpheus.
2. resembling the music attributed to Orpheus; entrancing.
3. pertaining to a religious or philosophical school maintaining a form of the cult of Dionysus, or Bacchus, ascribed to Orpheus as founder: Orphic mysteries.
4. (often lowercase) mystic; oracular.
Origin:
1670–80; < Gk Orphikós (c. L Orphicus), equiv. to Orph(eús) Orpheus + -ikos -ic

Related forms:
Or⋅phi⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To orphically
Or·phic   (ôr'fĭk)   
adj.  

  1. Greek Mythology Of or ascribed to Orpheus: the Orphic poems; Orphic mysteries.

  2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of the dogmas, mysteries, and philosophical principles set forth in the poems ascribed to Orpheus.

  3. Capable of casting a charm or spell; entrancing.

  4. often orphic Mystic or occult.


[Greek Orphikos, from Orpheus, Orpheus.]
Or'phi·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

Orphic 
1678, from Gk. orphikos "pertaining to Orpheus," master musician of Thrace, son of Eagrus and Calliope, husband of Eurydice, whose name (of unknown origin) was associated with mystic doctrines.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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