afterpiece

[ af-ter-pees, ahf- ]

noun

1. a short dramatic piece performed after a featured play.

afterpiece

/ ˈɑːftəˌpiːs /

noun

1. a brief usually comic dramatic piece presented after a play

Word History and Origins

Origin of afterpiece¹

First recorded in 1770–80; after + piece

Example Sentences

On this fateful date, the feature had been completed and the afterpiece was being enacted.

From Project Gutenberg

There was an afterpiece to the play; what had very nearly been a tragedy developing into something resembling a farce.

From Project Gutenberg

The tragedy of the gallows was followed by a short afterpiece.

From Project Gutenberg

They waited for the afterpiece, enjoyed a pasty and a bottle of Beaune, and went away laughing cozily together.

From Project Gutenberg

He strolled into the Adelphi, and felt savage at the pathos of the play, and the fun of the afterpiece.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• climax
• conclusion
• denouement