Elgin marbles
[el-gin, -jin]
- a group of Greek sculptures of the 5th century b.c., originally on the Parthenon in Athens, and supposedly sculptured under the direction of Phidias: presently in the British Museum in London.
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Origin of Elgin marbles
after Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), who arranged for their removal from Athens
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Elgin marbles
- a group of 5th-century bc Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), and now at the British Museum
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for elgin marbles
Elgin Marbles
n.
1809, sculptures and marbles (especially from the frieze of the Parthenon) brought from Greece to England and sold to the British government by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766-1841).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper