xoanon

[ zoh-uh-non ]

noun

, Greek Antiquity.

, plural xo·a·na [zoh, -, uh, -n, uh].

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

xoanon

/ ˈzəʊəˌnɒn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xoanon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xoanon¹

C18: from Greek, from xuō to scrape, smooth

Example Sentences

Furthermore, position was determined by reference to the xoanon.

From Project Gutenberg

The image borne in procession was clearly the xoanon which was brought by Pegasus from Eleutherae.

From Project Gutenberg

Between them stood a gilt xoanon, which seems to have been carried outside in sacred processions.

From Project Gutenberg

Other rich furniture is described, and a mode of divination by movements of a xoanon of Apollo.

From Project Gutenberg