ephoralte

[Eng. ephoral; -ty.] The of fice, rank, or term of office of an ephor. *ěph-o-rus, s . [Lat., from Gr. ephoros .] An ephor (q. v.). IMG:content-1066.png:[blocks in formation] A. As adj .: Narrative, containing or of the nature of narrative, heroic. The term is specifically applied to a poem which narrates the history, real or fictitious, of some notable action or achievement, or series of actions or achievements, accomplished by some distinguished hero. The most celebrated epic poems are in Greek literature, the Iliad and Ody ey of Homer; in Latin, the Eneid of Virgil; and in English, the Paradise Lost of Milton. "The subject of the epic poem must be some one great, complex action. The principle personages must belong to the high places of the world, and must be grand and elevated in their ideas, and in their bearing. The measure must be of a sonorous dignity befitting the subject. The action i carried by a mixture of narrative, dia logue, and soliloquy. Briefly to expre its main requis. ites, the epic poem treats of one great, complex action in a grand style, and with fullne of detail."- Dr . Arnold. epicolic B. As subst.: An epic or heroic poem; a narrative poem describing in elevated style the achievements of some hero. "In pompous epic , tow'ring odes, I strut with heroes, feast with gods." Somervile: The Happy Lunatic. ěp'-Ic-al, a. [Eng. epic; -al.] The same as epic (q. v.).