Anacreontic
- (sometimes lowercase) of or in the manner of Anacreon.
- (sometimes lowercase) convivial and amatory.
- (lowercase) an Anacreontic poem.
Origin of Anacreontic
Examples from the Web for anacreontic
Historical Examples
In the succeeding example the sentiment is still more Anacreontic.
The Catacombs of RomeWilliam Henry Withrow
He said this to himself as an officer was trolling forth an anacreontic song.
Commodore JunkGeorge 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, 1780-1860George Saintsbury
His Anacreontic and Horatian odes are far happier; among these some of his most delightful work is found.
A History of French LiteratureEdward 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
Anacreontic
- 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
- an Anacreontic poem
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).