Pæan
/ˈpiː.ən/noun
A song or expression of praise, triumph, or thanksgiving.
Did you know?In Ancient Greek, a paean was especially associated with Apollo as a healing and protective deity, and later became a general victory hymn.
Etymological Timeline
Mycenaean/Archaic Greek
Greek
Παιάν (Paiān)
“A divine epithet and ritual cry associated with Apollo, later connected with healing and deliverance”
Classical Greek
Greek
παιάν (paiān)
“A hymn or chant addressed to Apollo, often sung in times of victory, healing, or thanksgiving”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
paiṓn
“A formal hymn of praise or triumph”
Latin
Latin
paean
“A hymn of praise or victory”
16th Century
English
paean
“A song of triumph or praise, borrowed from Latin”
Modern English
English
paean
“An enthusiastic expression of praise or admiration”