Tragedienne
/ˌtrædʒ.əˈdiːn/noun
A woman who performs in or is associated with tragic roles in theater or film.
Did you know?Tragedienne comes through French from Greek tragōidia, literally the “goat song,” a name tied to early dramatic rites where goats were associated with sacrifice and performance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
tragōidía
“a tragic drama; literally “goat song””
Late Latin
Latin
tragoedia
“tragedy”
Old French
French
tragedie
“a tragedy, tragic drama”
19th Century
French
tragedienne
“a female tragedian; a woman actor in tragic roles”
Modern English
English
tragedienne
“a woman who acts in or is associated with tragic roles”