parabasis

noun

pa·​rab·​a·​sis
pəˈrabəsə̇s
plural parabases
-əˌsēz
: an important choral ode in the Old Greek comedy mainly in anapestic tetrameters delivered by the chorus at an intermission in the action while facing and moving toward the audience

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from parabainein to go aside, step forward, from para- para- entry 1 + bainein to walk, step, go

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Cite this Entry

“Parabasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parabasis. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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