silver age

[ sil-ver eyj ]

noun

1. Classical Mythology. the second of the four ages of humankind, inferior to the golden age but superior to the bronze age that followed: characterized by an increase of impiety and of human weakness.
2. (usually initial capital letters) a period in Latin literature, a.d. c14–138, following the Augustan Age: the second phase of Classical Latin. Compare golden age ( def 3 ).

silver age

noun

1. (in Greek and Roman mythology) the second of the world's major epochs, inferior to the preceding golden age and characterized by opulence and irreligion
2. the postclassical period of Latin literature, occupying the early part of the Roman imperial era, characterized by an overindulgence in elegance for its own sake and empty scholarly rhetoric

Word History and Origins

Origin of silver age¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

When Jove had driven his father into banishment, the Silver Age began, according to the poets.

From Project Gutenberg

All those who lived in the silver age had intelligence grounded in spiritual truths, and thence in natural truths, 76.

From Project Gutenberg

In the silver age, Inspiration is still Grace, but just beginning to be complicated by human artifice.

From Project Gutenberg

This was followed by the Silver Age, with a race inferior in form and disposition.

From Project Gutenberg

No doubt in its silver age, the century's beginning, many a brilliant deed was done.

From Project Gutenberg