Parthian refers to something that is of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Parthia or its people, or relating to a shot fired while in real or feigned retreat.
Parthian se refiere a algo que es de, relacionado con, o caracterÃstico de la antigua Partia o su gente, o relacionado con un tiro disparado mientras se está en retirada real o fingida.
| Word | Parthian |
|---|---|
| Date | December 21, 2006 |
| Type | adjective |
| Syllables | PAR-thee-un ("th" as in "think") |
| Etymology | The adjective "Parthian," which often shows up in the phrase "Parthian shot," has its roots in the military strategies of the ancient Parthians. One of the fighting maneuvers of Parthian horsemen was to discharge arrows while in real or feigned retreat. The maneuver must have been memorable, because "Parthian shot" continues to be used for a "parting shot," or a cutting remark made by a person who is leaving, many centuries after the dissolution of the Parthian empire. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. |
| Examples | As a Parthian shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not understand the needs of the city's citizens. |
| Definition | 1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Parthia or its people 2 : relating to, being, or having the effect of a shot fired while in real or feigned retreat |
Tags: wordoftheday::adjective
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