Thespian
- (often lowercase) pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.
- of or characteristic of Thespis.
- of or relating to Thespiae.
- (sometimes lowercase) a tragedian; an actor or actress.
Origin of Thespian
Related Words for thespian
star, ham, lead, extra, character, understudy, artist, player, entertainer, idol, performer, headlinerExamples from the Web for thespian
Contemporary Examples of thespian
In the installation, the British thespian would sleep in a glass box in the museum with nothing but pillows and a water jug.
Lady Gaga, John Lennon & More Celebs Doing Performance Art (VIDEO)Rachel Osman , Victoria Kezra
August 9, 2013
Brooding British thespian Henry Cavill (famous to Showtime fans of The Tudors) is on tap as the new Superman.
His sublimated rage at Madonna notwithstanding, he is happy to defend her as a thespian.
Historical Examples of thespian
And every one at the Thespian would be tactful and considerate.
The Education of Eric LaneStephen McKenna
After this achievement he advanced from the seaboard and encamped in Leuctra on Thespian territory.
HellenicaXenophon
"To show that he's 'got the bird,'" replied the brilliant Thespian.
The Thespian interludes had been acted on a wooden scaffolding.
Studies of the Greek Poets (Vol II of 2)John Addington Symonds
When an excited Thespian took off his hat, it smoked like a dish of potatoes.
Adrift in the Arctic Ice PackElisha Kent Kane
Thespian
- of or relating to Thespis
- (usually not capital) of or relating to drama and the theatre; dramatic
- often facetious an actor or actress
Word Origin and History for thespian
1670s, "of or pertaining to tragedy or dramatic acting," from Greek Thespis, poet of 6c. B.C.E., the traditional father of Greek tragedy. The names is literally "inspired by the gods."
"an actor," 1827, from thespian (adj.). Short form thesp is attested from 1962.