Milesian

¹

[ mi-lee-zhuhn, -shuhn, mahy- ]

noun

, Irish Legend.

1. any of the people from Spain who invaded Ireland and defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann, and who were the ancestors of the present Irish people.
2. (sometimes lowercase) an Irishman.

adjective

1. (sometimes lowercase) Irish.

Milesian

²

[ mi-lee-zhuhn, -shuhn, mahy- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Miletus.
2. Philosophy. noting or pertaining to a school of philosophers of the late 7th to early 5th centuries b.c., including Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes, which was primarily concerned with the nature of matter and change.

noun

1. a native of Miletus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Milesian¹

1765–75; Milēsi ( us ) (Latinization of Irish Miled, legendary Spanish king) + -an

Origin of Milesian²

1540–50; < Latin Milēsius inhabitant of Miletus ( def ) + -an

Example Sentences

Mr. Glasper, who supervised the music in Don Cheadle’s brash, kinetic biopic, “Miles Ahead,” has studied Milesian music and attitude closely over the last several years.

From New York Times

There are few people who have not heard of the Mac Carthies—one of the real old Irish families, with the true Milesian blood running in their veins, as thick as buttermilk.

From Project Gutenberg

What region of the earth is not full of the labors of this party, sect, and school of all the Irish talents, of whom may well be sung the antique Milesian elegy, to which their prophet and guide gave words that complain "they have left but few heirs of their company?"

From Project Gutenberg

There was a certain Glaucus at Sparta, celebrated for justice, as well as in other respects, to whom a Milesian, who had heard of his fame, came and entrusted a treasure, wishing as he said, to get the benefit of his justice, since Ionia was disturbed.

From Project Gutenberg

Though approaching the verge of good taste, conceive of the present effect of such an outburst gushing from the lips of Shiel, the perspiration standing in drops on his knotted locks, his eye kindled with Milesian fire, every feature of his expressive countenance instinct with passion, every limb of his small but symmetrical frame trembling with emotion, his shrill but musical voice barbing every emphatic word!

From Project Gutenberg