Anacreontic

[uh-nak-ree-on-tik]

See more synonyms for Anacreontic on Thesaurus.com

adjective

(sometimes lowercase) of or in the manner of Anacreon.
(sometimes lowercase) convivial and amatory.

noun

(lowercase) an Anacreontic poem.

Origin of Anacreontic

1650–60; < Latin Anacreōnticus, equivalent to Anacreōnt- (< Greek Anakreōnt-, stem of Anakréōn) Anacreon + -icus -ic

Related formsA·nac·re·on·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for anacreontic

amatory, amorous, ardent, brotherly, doting, enamored, erotic, fervent, fervid, impassioned, indulgent, loving, tender, warm, anacreontic, overindulgent, sisterly

Examples from the Web for anacreontic

Historical Examples of anacreontic

In the succeeding example the sentiment is still more Anacreontic.
The Catacombs of Rome
William Henry Withrow
He said this to himself as an officer was trolling forth an anacreontic song.
Commodore Junk
George Manville Fenn
The song is good in itself, but it is even more interesting as being the last product of Peacock's Anacreontic vein.
Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860
George Saintsbury
His Anacreontic and Horatian odes are far happier; among these some of his most delightful work is found.
A History of French Literature
Edward Dowden
There is too much of merely Anacreontic prettiness about the description of the bridal bed and the lamenting Loves.
Studies of the Greek Poets (Vol II of 2)
John Addington Symonds

British Dictionary definitions for anacreontic

Anacreontic

adjective

in the manner of the Greek lyric poet Anacreon (?572–?488 bc), noted for his short songs celebrating love and wine
(of verse) in praise of love or wine; amatory or convivial

noun

an Anacreontic poem

Derived FormsAnacreontically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for anacreontic

Anacreontic

adj.

of or in the manner of Anacreon, "convivial bard of Greece" (literally "Up-lord"), the celebrated Greek lyrical poet (560-478 B.C.E.), born at Teos in Ionia. Also in reference to his lyric form (1706) of a four-line stanza, rhymed alternately, each line with four beats (three trochees and a long syllable), also "convivial and amatory" (1801); and "an erotic poem celebrating love and wine" (1650s).

Francis Scott Key in 1814 set or wrote his poem "The Star-Spangled Banner" to the melody of "To Anacreon in Heav'n," the drinking song of the popular London gentleman's club called The Anacreontic Society, whose membership was dedicated to "wit, harmony, and the god of wine." The tune is late 18c. and may be the work of society member and court musician John Stafford Smith (1750-1836).