extemporal

American  

[ik-stem-per-uhl] / ɪkˈstɛm pər əl /

adjective

Archaic.

1. extemporaneous; extempore.

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Other Word Forms

• extemporally adverb

Etymology

Origin of extemporal

First recorded in 1560–70, extemporal is from the Latin word extemporālis on the spur of the moment. See extempore, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The ancient Atellanæ Fabulæ, or Atellane Farces, originated at Atella, a town in the neighbourhood of ancient Naples; and these, too, were extemporal Interludes, or, as Livy terms them, Exodia.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 2 by Disraeli, Isaac

These extemporal players were witnessed much nearer than in Italy—at the Théâtre des Italiens at Paris—for one of the characters replies— I have seen the like, In Paris, among the French tragedians.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 2 by Disraeli, Isaac

Ben Jonson has mentioned the Italian "extemporal plays" in his "Case is Altered;" and an Italian commediante his company were in London in 1578, who probably let our players into many a secret.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 2 by Disraeli, Isaac

In Kyd's Spanish Tragedy the extemporal art is described:—- The Italian tragedians were so sharp of wit, That in one hour of meditation They would perform anything in action.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 2 by Disraeli, Isaac

Moreover, at this time, as Mr. Payne Collier judges, "extemporal plays," in the nature of the Italian Commedie al improviso, were often presented upon the English stage.

From A Book of the Play Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character by Cook, Dutton