Parthian
[pɑ:θiәn]
Definition
(noun.) the Iranian language spoken in the Parthian kingdom (250 BC to AD 226).
(noun.) a native or inhabitant of Parthia.
(adj.) pertaining to Parthia or its people or language or culture; 'Parthian archeology' .
Checker: Nanette--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Of or pertaining to ancient Parthia, in Asia.
(n.) A native Parthia.
Checked by Elton
Definition
adj. of or belonging to Parthia in Persia.—A Parthian shot a shot or blow given while pretending to fly a parting shot.
Edited by Linda
Examples
- His feint of thrusting, followed instantly by a happily delivered blow which unhelmeted the Parthian, was received with hearty applause. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- The Parthian prisoner fought bravely and well; and well he might, for he was fighting for both life and liberty. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- The Parthian and German militias, too, were always respectable, and upon several occasions, gained very considerable advantages over the Roman armies. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- And he went away with a Parthian grin and glance which he thought must finish Mrs. Osborne completely. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- We stood as marks, while Parthian Pestilence aimed and shot, insatiated by conquest, unobstructed by the heaps of slain. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- The Parthians of the first century B.C. probably mingled Scythian and Mongolian elements. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- But Crassus was less quick than Darius to realize the need of withdrawal, and the Parthians were better bowmen than the Scythians Darius met. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- From the east the Scythians and the Parthians and Bactrians also drove southward. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Edited by Dwight