Pean
/ˈpiː.ən/noun
A song of praise or triumph; also, in heraldry, a black fur-like tincture.
Did you know?English pean comes through French and Latin from Greek paian, the hymn sung to Apollo as healer and protector—so this is literally a word that began as ritual praise.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
paian
“A hymn of praise or a healing song addressed especially to Apollo”
Classical Latin
Latin
paean
“A song of triumph or thanksgiving”
Middle French
French
paien
“A paean; a song of praise”
Late Middle English
English
pean
“A song of praise or triumph”
Modern English
English
pean
“A formal expression of praise; also a heraldic tincture”