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Eumenides

American  
[yoo-men-i-deez] / yuˈmɛn ɪˌdiz /

noun

  1. (used with a plural verb) a euphemistic name for the Furies, meaning “the Kindly Ones.”

  2. (italics) a tragedy (485 b.c.) by Aeschylus.


Eumenides British  
/ juːˈmɛnɪˌdiːz /

plural noun

  1. another name for the Furies, used by the Greeks as a euphemism

"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

Etymology

Origin of Eumenides

from Greek, literally: the benevolent ones, from eumenēs benevolent, from eu- + menos spirit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"A Greek playwright entered a tailor shop. The tailor asked him, 'Euripides?' The tragedian responded, 'Yes, Eumenides?'"

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2021

Most sinister of all is the Eumenides, a secret charitable order made up of the city’s wealthiest men that supports the workhouses, which takes its name from Greek myth.

From Washington Post • Mar. 1, 2019

The Eumenides, “the Kindly Ones,” are also the ravening Furies.

From Washington Post • Mar. 1, 2019

In Greek mythology, the Eumenides were three goddesses tasked with protecting the cause of justice.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2017

From the Furies of frightful aspect they became the Benignant Ones, the Eumenides, protectors of the suppliant.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

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