Orphism

[ awr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the religious or philosophical system of the Orphic school.
2. (often lowercase) Also called orphic cubism. Fine Arts. a short-lived but influential artistic movement of the early 20th century arising from analytic cubism and the work of Robert Delaunay and having as conspicuous characteristics the use of bold color, the dynamic, prismatic juxtaposition and overlapping of nonobjective geometric forms and planes, and a lightness and lyricism dissociated from its cubist origins.

Orphism

/ ˈɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. a mystery religion of ancient Greece, widespread from the 6th century bc onwards, combining pre-Hellenic beliefs, the Thracian cult of (Dionysius) Zagreus, etc

Derived Forms

• Orˈphistic, adjective

Other Words From

• Orphist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Orphism¹

Orphism ( def 2 ) < French orphisme, equivalent to Orph ( ée ) Orpheus + -isme -ism; term introduced by G. Apollinaire c1913

Example Sentences

Epimenides must be reckoned with Melampus and Onomacritus as one of the founders of Orphism.

From Project Gutenberg

Orphism took up the beliefs of paganism, and adapted them to its own ends.

From Project Gutenberg

Orphism may very possibly represent an ancient Cretan religion in clash or fusion with one from Thrace.

From Project Gutenberg

Orphism though of foreign origin became a genuine Greek religion, and was the last.

From Project Gutenberg

Orphism and the Mysteries had attempted the same thing in the Grecian world without achieving a lasting success.

From Project Gutenberg