skene

American  

[skee-nee] / ˈski ni /

noun

plural

skenai

1. (in the ancient Greek theater) a structure facing the audience and forming the background before which performances were given.

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Etymology

Origin of skene

< Greek skēnḗ; see scene

Example Sentences

To avoid this temptation some employ mediæval daggers, or skene dhus, but the edges spoil a book.

From The Private Library What We Do Know, What We Don't Know, What We Ought to Know About Our Books by Humphreys, Arthur Lee

The Greek word for tent is "skene" and that is the reason why we talk of the "scenery" of the stage.

From The Story of Mankind by Van Loon, Hendrik Willem

Instinctively clutching his skene dhu, he darted to the great stair.

From Donal Grant, by George MacDonald by MacDonald, George

The skene and broadsword, which I see you all wear, will be ten times as effective on foot.’

From The Caged Lion by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

His dirk was lying not far off, and his skene dhu close by his hand.

From Warlock o' Glenwarlock by MacDonald, George