panoply

I woke up this morning (at 5 AM, despite the fact that my alarm was set for 9:35) with the word “panoply” ricocheting off the walls of my skull. Turns out I had no idea what it meant. Well, maybe a vague idea of one of the definitions.

Here’s what dictionary.com says:

  1. A splendid or striking array: a panoply of colorful flags. See Synonyms at display.
  2. Ceremonial attire with all accessories: a portrait of the general in full panoply.
  3. Something that covers and protects: a porcupine’s panoply of quills.
  4. The complete arms and armor of a warrior.

Here’s what the OED says:

  1. A spiritual or psychological protection or defence; an attitude, etc., affording such protection.
    1. Full armour; a complete suit of armour. Freq. with connotations of brightness and splendour. Now rare.
    2. In extended use: any complete covering or protective layer.
    1. A splendid or impressive array; fine or magnificent display; splendour; pomp. Also: splendid attire.
    2. b. fig. A full or extensive array of resources; a wide range or array (of).
  2. A group of pieces of armour arranged as a trophy or ornament. Obs.

I think OED 3a is the definition I was most familiar with. I think OED 1 is my favorite definition.

Here’s a link to the OED, but it’ll only be good for three days.

I don’t know what the word was doing in my brain or where it came from, but it came with a directive to blog it. So I did.

5 thoughts on “panoply”

  1. These possible definitions of the word panoply were thought up after learning of Julia’s intent to blog the word but prior to looking up the word or reading her blog. I am posting this at her suggestion.

    A town near Rome, Italy or a town in the suburbs of Lancaster, Pa. very near Salunga.

    A very new multi-camera technique used only in making music videos and Sci Fi films produced by George Lucas.

    A new board game from Parker Brothers.

    A grain rendered down to make a gritty hot breakfast cereal.

    A pet name that Portuguese men use to call their female lovers.

    To have complete control of the Panama Canal.

    To be a super powered country controlling the world.

  2. I love these. Maybe I should have asked people to make up definitions before I posted the actual definition, a la the dictionary game (which I know other people call other things, but I can never remember what they are).

  3. I doubt you’ve ever woke up with an empty brain, but if no ideas come to you certainly other readers could suggest words as well.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *