monody

Definition

An ode, as in Greek drama, for a single voice, often specifically a mournful song or dirge.

Etymology

From Latin monodia, from Ancient Greek μονῳδία (monōidía).

Example Sentences

• "Stroke by stroke, the great familiar monody of that incomparable curfew rose and fell in the stillness."
• "All directions in life were blocked to him. He could not think, he could not sleep, his heart thudded to a deadening monody of fear. Fear that is itself the penalty of all things feared."