exemplum
Americannoun
plural
exempla-
an example or model.
-
an anecdote that illustrates or supports a moral point, as in a medieval sermon.
noun
-
an anecdote that supports a moral point or sustains an argument, used esp in medieval sermons
-
an example or illustration
Etymology
Origin of exemplum
1885–90; < Late Latin, Latin: literally, a pattern, model, copy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aliquam sed duo sunt quae hic primum pertinet ad hominem moralem papae tantibus in exemplum, deinde latius lawbreaking ipsius ducis officium institutionis ascendat et ignominiosus est.
From Slate • Feb. 11, 2013
Slowly the great notes fall and float away:— Omnibus exemplum Barathrum vincendo morosum Condidit hoc templum ...
From Collected Poems Volume Two by Noyes, Alfred
Nulla mihi, Luca, de te medicamina posco, Ipse licet medicus sis, licet aeger ego: Quippe ego in exemplum fidei dum te mihi pono, Tu, medice, ipse mihi es tu medicina mea.
From The Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume II (of 2) by Crashaw, Richard
For England we may say of this case—Transeat in exemplum!
From The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 1 by Japp, Alexander H. (Alexander Hay)
“Utinam inveniretur exemplum, unde has ad Atticum descripsit Petrarca, ut exstat illud, quo usus est in describendis alteris illis, quæ Familiares appellantur, de cujus libri antiquitate, omni veneratione digna, magnifice multa vereque alio loco prædicavi.”
From History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Volume II by Dunlop, John
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