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Definition of panoply - 5 dictionary results

pan⋅o⋅ply

  [pan-uh-plee]
Use panoply in a Sentence
–noun, plural -plies.
1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display: the dazzling panoply of the maharaja's procession; the panoply of European history.
2. a complete suit of armor.
3. a protective covering.
4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.
Origin:
1570–80; < Gk panoplía full complement of arms and armor, equiv. to pan- pan- + (h)ópl(a) arms, armor (cf. hoplite ) + -ia -ia

Related forms:
pan⋅o⋅plied, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To panoply
pan·o·ply   (pān'ə-plē)   
n.   pl. pan·o·plies

  1. A splendid or striking array: a panoply of colorful flags. See Synonyms at display.

  2. Ceremonial attire with all accessories: a portrait of the general in full panoply.

  3. Something that covers and protects: a porcupine's panoply of quills.

  4. The complete arms and armor of a warrior.


[Greek panopliā : pan-, pan- + hopla, arms, armor, pl. of hoplon, weapon.]
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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Main Entry:  panoply1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a complete and magnificent array
Etymology:  Greek pan- + hopla 'armor'
Main Entry:  panoply2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a full suit of armor; a complete defense or covering
Etymology:  Greek pan- + hopla 'armor'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
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Word Origin & History

panoply 
1576, from Gk. panoplia "complete suit of armor," from pan- "all" + hopla (pl.) "arms" of a hoplites ("heavily armed soldier"). Originally fig., of "spiritual armor," etc. (allusion to Eph. vi); non-armorial sense of "any splendid array" first recorded 1829.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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