Myriologue
/ˈmɪəriəlɒɡ/noun
A traditional lament or funeral dirge, especially one associated with Greek culture.
Did you know?The term is linked to Greek moiroloï, a lament whose first element comes from moira, meaning “fate” or one’s allotted portion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“To receive a portion or allotted share; a proposed ancestral root connected with Greek moira.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μοῖρα (moîra)
“One’s allotted portion, destiny, or fate.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λόγος (lógos)
“Word, speech, account, or discourse.”
Medieval to Early Modern Greek
Greek
μοιρολόγι (mirológi)
“A lament or funeral song expressing grief and invoking fate.”
19th Century
English
myriologue
“A lament or dirge, particularly a Greek funeral lament.”
Modern English
English
myriologue
“A rare literary term for a traditional lament or funeral dirge.”