Elegy
/ˈɛl.ɪ.dʒi/noun
A poem, song, or speech of mourning for the dead or for something lost.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, an elegy was defined by its meter, not its mood, and could be used for love, politics, or death before English narrowed it into mourning.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
elegeia
“A poem written in elegiac couplets, often used for a wide range of subjects including lament, reflection, and love”
Ancient Greek
Greek
elegein
“To cry out 'alas!' or utter a lament”
Latin
Latin
elegia
“A poem in elegiac verse, especially one of lament or reflection”
Old French
Old French
elegie
“A mournful poem or song”
Late Middle English
English
elegie
“A poem of lament or mourning”
Modern English
English
elegy
“A poem, song, or speech of mourning for the dead or for something lost”