Parthian
pronunciation
How to pronounce Parthian in British English:
UK [ˈpɑ:θiən]
How to pronounce Parthian in American English:
US [ˈpɑrθiən]
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- Adjective:
- delivered at the moment of parting as if in flight or retreat
Word Origin
- Parthian (n.)
- 1520s, native or inhabitant of Parthia (ancient kingdom northeast of Persia in western Asia), from Old Persian Parthava- "Parthian," dialectal variant of the stem Parsa-, source of Persia. As an adjective, 1580s. Phrase Parthian shot is in reference to their horsemen, who were expert at racing forward, turning, and shooting arrows backward at the moment of retreat. The exact phrase is attested by 1832; the image itself was in use long before (for example Parthian fight, 1630s). Or, like the Parthian, I shall flying fight ["Cymbeline," Act I, Scene VII]
Example
- 1. The parthian were threatening my left flank .
- 2. Crassus 's legions were no match for the parthian archers , nimble horsemen who could loose their arrows off even as they turned .
- 3. During parthian rule , persia was only one province in a large , loosely controlled empire .
- 4. The parthian empire shared a border with rome along the upper euphrates river .
- 5. Babylonian jewry enjoyed peace and prosperity under the parthian and sassanian rulers , with only occasional episodes of persecution .