xoanon

American  

[zoh-uh-non] / ˈzoʊ əˌnɒn /

noun

Greek Antiquity.

xoana plural

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

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various

Those who believe that Pausanias saw the xoanon of Athena in the Hekatompedon are also compelled to make Pausanias double on his course and furthermore to strain the meaning of συνεχἡσ.

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

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

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

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)

A possible interpretation is that the painting was in the cella of Athena on the wall behind the xoanon, but the paintings of the Butadae were in the first room which Pausanias entered.

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