TERRA n.
æ filius Etym: [L., son of the earth], formerly, one appointed to write a satirical Latin poem at the public acts in the University of Oxford; -- not unlike the prevaricator at Cambridge, England. -- Terra firma Etym: [L.], firm or solid earth, as opposed to water. -- Terra Japonica. Etym: [NL.] Same as Gambier. It w…
TRAGEDY n.
A dramatic poem, composed in elevated style, representing a signal action performed by some person or persons, and having a fatal issue; that species of drama which represents the sad or terrible phases of character and life. Tragedy is to say a certain storie, As olde bookes maken us memorie, Of him that stood in grea…
VIRELAY n.
An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes, and composed in short lines, with a refrain. Of such matter made he many lays, Songs, complains, roundels, virelayes. Chaucer. To which a lady sung a virelay. Dryden.