palinode

American  

[pal-uh-nohd] / ˈpæl əˌnoʊd /

noun

1. a poem in which the poet retracts something said in an earlier poem.

2. a recantation.

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palinode British  

/ ˈpælɪˌnəʊd /

noun

1. a poem in which the poet recants something he has said in a former poem

2. rare a recantation

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Other Word Forms

• palinodist noun

Etymology

Origin of palinode

1590–1600; < Late Latin palinōdia < Greek palinōidía a singing again, especially a recanting, equivalent to pálin again, back + ōid ( ḗ ) ode + -ia -ia

Explanation

A palinode is a poem that retracts a feeling expressed in a previous work. If a poet's opinions change, they can use a palinode to reverse their earlier stance, perhaps offering praise where they once offered criticism. If you're embarrassed by the rhyming verse you wrote in first grade about your love of Pokémon, you may want to compose a palinode that recants that sentiment. Palinode is derived from the Greek palinoidia or "poetic retraction," and the roots palin, "back," and oide, "song." Ancient Greeks invented the palinode form, which Chaucer used at the very end of The Canterbury Tales to apologize for its vulgar language and ask for forgiveness.

Example Sentences

As if it were any man's business to sing a palinode for another's error; or as if anything that is said in that work of mine under any character whatever, were my own opinion.

From Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I. by Erasmus, Desiderius

I look for peace in the way that Plato trod, and some day I shall write my palinode in that spirit.

From The Jessica Letters: An Editor's Romance by More, Paul Elmer

His conscious has been awakened, and like Stesichorus when he had reviled the lovely Helen he will sing a palinode for having blasphemed the majesty of love.

From Phaedrus by Jowett, Benjamin

That high praise was once well-deserved, and was cordially given: but since, alas! according to my lights I have seen fit more than once to "palinode."

From My Life as an Author by Tupper, Martin Farquhar

Well, what am I to do? accept the verdict and hold my tongue? pen a palinode like Stesichorus? or will you grant an appeal?

From Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 03 by Fowler, F. G. (Francis George)