exemplum
[ig-zem-pluh m]
- an example or model.
- an anecdote that illustrates or supports a moral point, as in a medieval sermon.
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Origin of exemplum
1885–90; < Late Latin, Latin: literally, a pattern, model, copy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for exemplum
Historical Examples
Transeat in exemplum—Let it stand as a precedent, or an example.
This story is a sort of exemplum of the sin of pride and avarice.
Filipino Popular TalesDean S. Fansler
Certainly the convent never went to sleep in a sermon which had the tale of Chauntecleer and Pertelote for its exemplum.
Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535Eileen Edna Power
Exemplum: As David of Trebizond has told me, when they wipe out the population of a city, they know there will be a few survivors.
The Saracen: Land of the InfidelRobert Shea
Mr. De Morgan says "Plato," but to prevent confusion I have kept to my own exemplum.
A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and InductiveJohn Stuart Mill
exemplum
- an anecdote that supports a moral point or sustains an argument, used esp in medieval sermons
- an example or illustration
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Word Origin
from Latin: example
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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