Pythian Games

American  

plural noun

1. one of the great national festivals of ancient Greece, held every four years at Delphi in honor of Apollo.

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Pythian Games British  

plural noun

1. (in ancient Greece) the second most important Panhellenic festival, celebrated in the third year of each Olympiad near Delphi. The four-year period between celebrations was known as a Pythiad ( ˈpɪθɪˌæd )

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Etymology

Origin of Pythian Games

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

According to myth, the god Apollo started these games at Delphi after killing Python, the dragon living there; hence, they were named the Pythian Games in recognition of this act.

From New York Times • Jul. 22, 2016

During the Pythian Games, a competition in music and dance was held at the same time as the athletic contests, an ancient equivalent to “American Idol” cum “Dancing With the Stars.”

From New York Times • Jul. 22, 2016

I forgive all these threats for the sake of the sorrow of a love which thinks itself insulted; and we will none the less go and see the Pythian Games in all peace.

From The Magnificent Lovers (Les Amants magnifiques) by Wall, Charles Heron

In a few days the Pythian Games will come round, and the convention of the Hellenic States will hold its sessions.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 1 by Runkle, Lucia Isabella Gilbert

The Pythian Games survived the classic Greek period and were continued under Roman sway until about A.D.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various