exemplum

American  

[ig-zem-pluhm] / ɪgˈzɛm pləm /

noun

plural

exempla

1. an example or model.

2. an anecdote that illustrates or supports a moral point, as in a medieval sermon.

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exemplum British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛmpləm /

noun

1. an anecdote that supports a moral point or sustains an argument, used esp in medieval sermons

2. an example or illustration

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Etymology

Origin of exemplum

1885–90; < Late Latin, Latin: literally, a pattern, model, copy

Example Sentences

Aliquam sed duo sunt quae hic primum pertinet ad hominem moralem papae tantibus in exemplum, deinde latius lawbreaking ipsius ducis officium institutionis ascendat et ignominiosus est.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2013

Sub stricta instruens regula, uultu et habitu, sermone et uita, se eis in exemplum exhibuit.

From The Latin & Irish Lives of Ciaran Translations Of Christian Literature. Series V. Lives Of The Celtic Saints by MacAlister, R.A. Stewart

Sed si prudentiam perfectissimae feminae novi, non patietur te nihil profuturo maerore consumi et exemplum tibi suum, cuius ego etiam spectator fui, narrabit.

From The Student's Companion to Latin Authors by Middleton, George

Uerum ut incunabula stoliditatis opinione referta habuit, ita post modum conditionis contemptum claritate mutauit; et quantum inerti� spectaculum fuit, tantum prudenti� et fortitudinis exemplum euasit.

From Beowulf An Introduction to the Study of the Poem with a Discussion of the Stories of Offa and Finn by Chambers, R. W.

Note-book, 834: 'Et illi de curia qui veniunt quesiti, si unquam tale factum fuit judicium in prefata curia, et quod ostendant exemplum, et nichil inde ostendere possunt, nec exemplum nec aliud.'

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul