Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pyrrhic
Pyr′rhic
,Adj.
[L.
pyrrhichius
, Gr. [GREEK] belonging to the [GREEK] (sc. [GREEK]) a kind of war dance.] 1.
Of or pertaining to an ancient Greek martial dance.
“ ye have the pyrrhic dance as yet.” Byron.
2.
(Pros.)
Of or pertaining to a pyrrhic, or to pyrrhics; containing pyrrhic;
as, a
. pyrrhic
versePyr′rhic
,Noun.
1.
[Gr. [GREEK]: cf. F.
pyrrhique
, fem.] An ancient Greek martial dance, to the accompaniment of the flute, its time being very quick.
2.
[L.
pyrrhichius
(sc. pes
), Gr. [GREEK] (sc. [GREEK]): cf. F. pyrrhique
, masc.] (Pros.)
A foot consisting of two short syllables.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pyrrhic
PYRRHIC
,Noun.
1.
In poetry, a foot consisting of two short syllables.2.
An ancient military dance.Definition 2024
Pyrrhic
Pyrrhic
See also: pyrrhic
English
Adjective
Pyrrhic (comparative more Pyrrhic, superlative most Pyrrhic)
- (not comparable) Of or relating to Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC), Greek general and statesman.
- The Pyrrhic army lost the Pyrrhic war.
- Achieved at excessive cost.
- 1993, Steven Berglas, Roy F. Baumeister, Your Own Worst Enemy: Understanding the Paradox, page 166
- Although this syndrome is thought to resemble patterns of Pyrrhic revenge
- 1993, Steven Berglas, Roy F. Baumeister, Your Own Worst Enemy: Understanding the Paradox, page 166