diptych
[dip-tik]
- a hinged two-leaved tablet used in ancient times for writing on with a stylus.
- Usually diptychs.
- a similar tablet of wood or metal containing on one leaf the names of those among the living, and on the other those among the dead, for whom prayers and Masses are said.
- the lists of such persons.
- the intercession in the course of which these names were introduced.
- a pair of pictures or carvings on two panels, usually hinged together.
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Origin of diptych
1615–25; < Late Latin diptycha writing tablet with two leaves < Greek díptycha, neuter plural of díptychos folded together, equivalent to di- di-1 + -ptychos, verbid of ptýssein to fold
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for diptych
Contemporary Examples
Then he paired the pictures of past and present in diptych form.
"Quickening" introduces the second room of the exhibit and features a diptych of pregnant women, their faces also ravaged by time.
Historical Examples
A diptych which belongs to the same shrine may also be mentioned.
The Industrial Arts in SpainJuan F. Riao
A codex of two leaves was called a diptych; of three, a triptych, etc.
Illuminated ManuscriptsJohn W. Bradley
After all, a saint of old was glad that his name should be enrolled in the diptych of his Church, and remembered in her prayers.
By various councils it was ordained that the name of the pope should always be inserted in the diptych list.
The names thus written were read from 309 the ambo, in which the diptych was kept.
diptych
- a pair of hinged wooden tablets with waxed surfaces for writing
- a painting or carving on two panels, usually hinged like a book
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Word Origin
C17: from Greek diptukhos folded together, from di 1 + ptukhos fold; compare triptych
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 diptych
n.
1620s, from Latin diptycha (plural), from late Greek diptykha, neuter plural of diptykhos "double-folded, doubled," from dis- "two" + ptykhe "fold."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper