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Massylian, n. and a. Ancient Hist.
Brit. |maˈsɪlɪən|, |məˈsɪlɪən|, U.S. |məˈsɪliən|
Forms: 16 Masilian, 16 Massilian, 16– Massylian
[‹ classical Latin Massȳlī (plural) a people of Numidia + -an suffix. Compare classical Latin Massȳlus (also Massȳlius), adjective, often used poetically in sense ‘African’.]
A. n. A native or inhabitant of the part of North Africa formerly known as Numidia, corresponding roughly to modern-day Algeria. Cf. Numidian n.
1606J. Marston Wonder of Women i. ii. sig. B3, Ten thousand strong, Massilians readie troupt Expect their King. 1630T. May Continuation of Lucan's Historicall Poem ii. l. 239 Then march the vagrant bold Numidians On well-rein'd Steeds; and light Massylians, Who euermore their Horses bitlesse ride. 1730J. Thomson Sophonisba iv. v. 56, I vow'd my life, My last Massylian to the sword, ere he Shou'd touch thy freedom with the least dishonour. 1851W. Smith New Classical Dict. 560/2 We find their two great tribes, the Massylians and the Massaesylians, forming two monarchies, which were united into one under Masinissa. 1886M. F. Sheldon tr. G. Flaubert Salammbô xii. 302 Then from the direction of Ariana appeared men from the west, the people of Numidia,—for, in fact, Narr' Havas only governed the Massylians. 1958Everyman's Encycl. (ed. 4) VIII. 354/2 Masinissa.., originally King of the Massylians, the easternmost of the 2 tribes into which the Numidians were divided. 1987Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 10871 The ‘priestess’ is a Massylian.., from the same region of Africa in which Dido has made her home.
B. adj. Of or characteristic of Numidia; Numidian. Also occas.: African.
1607E. Topsell Hist. Fovre-footed Beastes 461 These also are the Epethets of lions, wrathfull, maned,..stout, great, Masilian, Mauritanian, Parthian, [etc.]. 1655R. Fanshawe tr. L. de Camoens Lusiad iv. 82 As a She-Lyon..That finds, whilst Hunger, Her from home did call, (Leaving her whelps unto themselves) a bold Massylian shepherd lurcht them from her Hold. 1697Dryden tr. æneis iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 302 The force Of Spartan Dogs, and swift Massylian Horse. 1737H. Baker Medulla Poetarum Romanorum I. 512 Scarce had Aurora left her orient Bed.., When pouring thro' the Gates, the Train appear, Massylian Hunters with the steely Spear, [etc.]. 1861L. Shore Hannibal II. iv. iv. 171 Sold. He calls himself King Masanissa's tribesman. Mas. Dost thou so? Never has Massylian steed Borne thee to battle, nor Massylian lion Been flayed to clothe those limbs. 1886W. Alexander St. Augustine's Holiday i. 19 Listen! I breath'd our soft Numidian air; I saw Elissa to the hunting go;..A huntress on her white Massylian steed. 1916E. Tavenner Stud. in Magic i. 24 Vergil, for example, who was in heart and feeling a genuine Italian, made his early Marruvian and Massylian priests..adepts in magic. 1965Jrnl. Rom. Stud. 55 152/1 (note) On Cirta in general, see..Camps 168 (advancing arguments for Cirta's being originally Massylian). 1995tr. Statius in Jrnl. Rom. Stud. 85 55 Just so a lion, who has gorged himself on Massylian sheep.., stands in the middle of the slaughter. |