philippic

Definition

Any of the discourses of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon, defending the liberty of Athens.

Etymology

From Latin philippicus, from Ancient Greek φιλιππικός (philippikós), from Φίλιππος (Phílippos, “lover of horses”), from φίλος (phílos, “loving”) + ἵππος (híppos, “horse”).

Example Sentences

• "[…] the Bema, from whence Demosthenes thundered his philippics and fired the wavering patriotism of his countrymen."
• "Mrs. Ferrars looked exceedingly angry, and drawing herself up more stiffly than ever, pronounced in retort this bitter phillipic; “Miss Morton is Lord Morton’s daughter.”"
• ""Sir Robert Akhurst is a good man, a very good man, notwithstanding his philippic; but he is an old one, which makes all the difference.""