parabasis

[ puh-rab-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural pa·rab·a·ses [p, uh, -, rab, -, uh, -seez].

1. (in ancient Greek drama) a choral ode addressed to the audience, especially of comedy, and independent of the action of the play: usually following the agon and, in the earliest forms of comedy, serving often to end the play.

parabasis

/ pəˈræbəsɪs /

noun

1. (in classical Greek comedy) an address from the chorus to the audience

Word History and Origins

Origin of parabasis¹

1810–20; < Greek parábasis a going aside, digression; para- ¹, basis

Word History and Origins

Origin of parabasis¹

C19: from Greek, from parabanein to step forward

Example Sentences

Parabasis, pa-rab′a-sis, n. the chief of the choral parts in ancient Greek comedy, usually an address from the poet to the public.

From Project Gutenberg

In the comedies, like the masques in other days, sarcastic remarks on the government came to be made; this was the Parabasis.

From Project Gutenberg

They were also remarkable for the absence of the parabasis and chorus.

From Project Gutenberg