Pyrrhus

[ pir-uhs ]

noun

1. c318–272 b.c., king of Epirus c300–272.
2. Classical Mythology. Neoptolemus.

Pyrrhus

/ ˈpɪrəs /

noun

1. Pyrrhus319 bc272 bcMGreekPOLITICS: hereditary ruler 319–272 bc , king of Epirus (306–272). He invaded Italy but was ultimately defeated by the Romans (275 bc )
2. See Neoptolemus
   another name for Neoptolemus

Derived Forms

• ˈPyrrhic, adjective

Example Sentences

Pyrrhus is the novel’s most interesting character after Briseis, ensnared by the imperative to dominate and subdue as surely as she and the other women are trapped in servitude and submission.

From Washington Post

The plot is driven by efforts to blame someone for the unfavorable wind and to identify the Trojan who clandestinely buried the corpse of King Priam, clumsily hacked to death by Pyrrhus and left to be picked over by crows.

From Washington Post

How did his elephants save Pyrrhus—and then we saw them for the first time?

From Project Gutenberg

The discourse of Pyrrhus with Cineas is only a transcript of the impatient ambition of the generality of mankind.

From Project Gutenberg

A single battle had delivered to Pyrrhus all the south of the Peninsula, where the Greek towns received him with enthusiasm.

From Project Gutenberg

At Priam's palace a last stand is made, but Pyrrhus forces the great gates, and the defenders are massacred (442-603).

From Project Gutenberg

Dionikos, Pyrrhus's youngest son, who was still unmarried, built new boats and repaired the old ones.

From Project Gutenberg