Amphitryon

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: amphitryon

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Named after Amphitryon in Molière's comedy, who gives a great dinner. Amphitryon in Greek mythology was the husband of Alcmene, who was deceived by Zeus in her husband's semblance and so became the mother of Hercules.

Noun[edit]

Amphitryon (plural Amphitryons)

  1. (poetic) A host or entertainer.
    • 1848, The Knickerbocker, volume 31, page 303:
      With us generally the fault is the other way, and our Amphitryons 'lay on' the beverage too freely, which is also, though not equally, a mistake, for the best champagne when drunk pure, cloys upon the palate sooner than any other wine.

Translations[edit]