I woke up this morning (at 5 AM, despite the fact that my alarm was set for 9:35) with the word “panoply” ricocheting off the walls of my skull. Turns out I had no idea what it meant. Well, maybe a vague idea of one of the definitions.
Here’s what dictionary.com says:
- A splendid or striking array: a panoply of colorful flags. See Synonyms at display.
- Ceremonial attire with all accessories: a portrait of the general in full panoply.
- Something that covers and protects: a porcupine’s panoply of quills.
- The complete arms and armor of a warrior.
Here’s what the OED says:
- A spiritual or psychological protection or defence; an attitude, etc., affording such protection.
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- Full armour; a complete suit of armour. Freq. with connotations of brightness and splendour. Now rare.
- In extended use: any complete covering or protective layer.
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- A splendid or impressive array; fine or magnificent display; splendour; pomp. Also: splendid attire.
- b. fig. A full or extensive array of resources; a wide range or array (of).
- A group of pieces of armour arranged as a trophy or ornament. Obs.
I think OED 3a is the definition I was most familiar with. I think OED 1 is my favorite definition.
Here’s a link to the OED, but it’ll only be good for three days.
I don’t know what the word was doing in my brain or where it came from, but it came with a directive to blog it. So I did.
These possible definitions of the word panoply were thought up after learning of Julia’s intent to blog the word but prior to looking up the word or reading her blog. I am posting this at her suggestion.
A town near Rome, Italy or a town in the suburbs of Lancaster, Pa. very near Salunga.
A very new multi-camera technique used only in making music videos and Sci Fi films produced by George Lucas.
A new board game from Parker Brothers.
A grain rendered down to make a gritty hot breakfast cereal.
A pet name that Portuguese men use to call their female lovers.
To have complete control of the Panama Canal.
To be a super powered country controlling the world.
I love these. Maybe I should have asked people to make up definitions before I posted the actual definition, a la the dictionary game (which I know other people call other things, but I can never remember what they are).
That is a good idea. You certainly could do that with another word or phrase.
We’ll see if I wake up with anything in my brain. 🙂
I doubt you’ve ever woke up with an empty brain, but if no ideas come to you certainly other readers could suggest words as well.