Pythian Games

American  

plural noun

1. one of the great national festivals of ancient Greece, held every four years at Delphi in honor of Apollo.

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Pythian Games British  

plural noun

1. (in ancient Greece) the second most important Panhellenic festival, celebrated in the third year of each Olympiad near Delphi. The four-year period between celebrations was known as a Pythiad ( ˈpɪθɪˌæd )

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Etymology

Origin of Pythian Games

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Pythian Games

During the Pythian Games, a competition in music and dance was held at the same time as the athletic contests, an ancient equivalent to “American Idol” cum “Dancing With the Stars.”

From New York Times ● Jul. 22, 2016

According to myth, the god Apollo started these games at Delphi after killing Python, the dragon living there; hence, they were named the Pythian Games in recognition of this act.

From New York Times ● Jul. 22, 2016

I forgive all these threats for the sake of the sorrow of a love which thinks itself insulted; and we will none the less go and see the Pythian Games in all peace.

From The Magnificent Lovers (Les Amants magnifiques) by Wall, Charles Heron

The Pythian Games survived the classic Greek period and were continued under Roman sway until about A.D.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various

After his death the power passed to his brother Hiero, whose victories in the Olympian and Pythian Games are commemorated in the Odes of Pindar.

From Stories from Thucydides by Havell, H. L. (Herbert Lord)