| 释义 |
ostracism|ˈɒstrəsɪz(ə)m|
[ad. mod.L. ostracism-us, a. Gr. ὀστρακισµός, f. ὀστρακίζειν to ostracize: see -ism.]
1. A method of temporary banishment practised in Athens and other cities of ancient Greece, by which a citizen whose power or influence was considered dangerous to the state was sent into exile for ten (later for five) years; so called because it was effected by voting with potsherds or tiles, on which the name of the person whom it was proposed to banish was written; hence, Temporary banishment or expatriation in general.
[1579–80North Plutarch (1676) 109 This manner of banishment for a time, called Ostracismon, was no punishment for any fault committed, but a..taking away of the envy of the people.] 1588Greene Perimedes 6 As sure a repulse to exile melancholie, as the Ostracisme was to the noble of Athens. 1697Potter Antiq. Greece i. xxv. I. 125 The Archons number'd all the Tyles in gross, for if there were fewer than six-thousand, the Ostracism was void. 1785Reid Intell. Powers v. iv. 400 It is easy to see why an attainder in the English Language and ostracism in the Greek language have not names answering to them in other languages. 1821Byron Two Foscari ii. i, Had I as many sons As I have years, I would have given them all..to ostracism, Exile, or chains. 1847Grote Greece ii. xxxi. IV. 200 By the ostracism a citizen was banished without special accusation, trial or defence.
2. fig. Banishment by general consent; exclusion from society, favour, or common privileges.
16..Donne To C'tess of Bedford, ‘To have written then’ 22 Virtue in courtiers hearts Suffers an ostracism and departs. 1693J. Marsh To Congreve on ‘Old Bachelor’, To pass an ostracism on poetry. 1827Hare Guesses Ser. i. (1873) 26 A sort of ostracism is continually going on against the best, both of men and measures. 1870M. D. Conway Earthw. Pilgr. ix. 120 The social ostracism of a heretic. 1891H. Crosby Conform. to World 28 Even if social ostracism be the consequence. |