chrestomathy

[ kres-tom-uh-thee ]

noun

, plural chres·tom·a·thies.

1. a collection of selected literary passages, often by one author and especially from a foreign language.

chrestomathy

/ ˌkrɛstəʊˈmæθɪk; krɛsˈtɒməθɪ /

noun

1. rare.
   a collection of literary passages, used in the study of language

Derived Forms

• chrestomathic, adjective

Other Words From

• chres·to·math·ic [kres-t, uh, -, math, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrestomathy¹

1825–35; < New Latin chrestomathia < Greek chrēstomátheia, equivalent to chrēstó ( s ) useful ( chrēs-, stem of chrêsthai to use + -tos verbal adjective suffix) + math- (variant stem of manthánein to learn) + -eia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrestomathy¹

C19: from Greek khrēstomatheia, from khrēstos useful + mathein to learn

Example Sentences

In short, the picture is a pictorial chrestomathy of drink.

From Project Gutenberg

To this period belongs the preparation of the Φιλοκαλία, a sort of chrestomathy compiled by the two friends from the writings of Origen.

From Project Gutenberg

The distribution of the Introduction to the Study of Indian Languages is resulting in the collection of a large series of chrestomathies, which it is believed will be worthy of publication.

From Project Gutenberg

This admirable book has not been, and from its mixture of taste and learning is never likely to be, superseded as an introduction to, and chrestomathy of, the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

The Persian text of these fables appeared in 1805 in the chrestomathy appended to Fr.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• oeuvre