xoanon

American  

[zoh-uh-non] / ˈzoʊ əˌnɒn /

noun

Greek Antiquity.

plural

xoana

1. a simple, carved image, especially one in which the original block of stone or wood is readily apparent.

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xoanon British  

/ ˈzəʊəˌnɒn /

noun

1. a primitive image of a god, carved, esp originally, in wood, and supposed to have fallen from heaven

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Etymology

Origin of xoanon

1700–10; < Greek xóanon carved image; akin to xeîn to scrape, carve

Example Sentences

The eastern door of the Erechtheum was not the normal, not the intended entrance to the cella of Athena, but served as the traditional eastern entrance toward which the xoanon faced.

From Problems in Periclean Buildings by Elderkin, G. W. (George Wicker)

Perhaps the ancient image of Athena, the xoanon of olive wood, which fell from heaven, fell at the time Zeus smote Erechtheus, just as the wooden image of Dionysus Cadmus fell when Zeus destroyed Semele.

From Problems in Periclean Buildings by Elderkin, G. W. (George Wicker)

Pausanias' use of the plural in τεταγμέναις ημέραις is excellent authority that the temple of the xoanon was opened at least on more than one day of every year.

From The American Journal of Archaeology, 1893-1 by Various

Furthermore, position was determined by reference to the xoanon.

From Problems in Periclean Buildings by Elderkin, G. W. (George Wicker)

According to the old plan, Pausanias found the paintings in the western chamber of the διπλοὑν οἱκημα, that is, between them and the wall against which stood the xoanon, was a chamber.

From Problems in Periclean Buildings by Elderkin, G. W. (George Wicker)