Alcestis
[al-ses-tis]
- Also Alkestis. Classical Mythology. the wife of Admetus who gave up her life in order that the Fates might save the life of Admetus and later was brought back from Hades by Hercules.
- (italics) a tragedy (438 b.c.) by Euripides.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for alcestis
Historical Examples
The funeral of a rich person was to them what the funeral of Alcestis or Ophelia is to the educated.
Howards EndE. M. Forster
Read some of the "Alcestis" (Euripides) before going to bed.
Lost DiariesMaurice Baring
But fairest of the fair, as the moon among stars, was Alcestis.
Children of the DawnElsie Finnimore Buckley
Then he told him of his love for Alcestis, and how he could never hope to win her.
Children of the DawnElsie Finnimore Buckley
Yet straightway he came and stood beside Alcestis, and took her hand in his.
Children of the DawnElsie Finnimore Buckley
Alcestis
- Greek myth the wife of king Admetus of Thessaly. To save his life, she died in his place, but was rescued from Hades by Hercules
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for alcestis
Alcestis
wife of Admetus, she offered her life for her husband and was rescued from the Underworld by Herakles, from Greek Alkestis, literally "valiant, courageous," from alke "protection, help, strength, power."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper