| 释义 |
‖ propylæum|prɒpɪˈliːəm|
Pl. propylæa.
[L., ad. Gr. προπύλαιον, usually in pl. -αια, n. use of neuter of προπύλαιος adj. ‘before the gate’, f. πρό, pro-2 + πύλη a gate: see propylon.]
The entrance to a temple or other sacred enclosure, esp. when of architectural importance; spec. the entrance to the Acropolis at Athens. Hence, A gateway, porch, or vestibule.
1706Phillips, Propylæum, (in Architect.) the Porch of a Temple or great Hall; a Gate-House. 1745Pococke Descr. East II. ii. iii. x. 161 The propylæum was probably about the third gate, which was built at a great expence. 1849Freeman Archit. iv. 72 These propylaea lead into a large open court. 1890J. Martineau Seat Auth. in Relig. i. iii. 92 This invulnerable Stoic..lingers still at the propylaeum of the temple of Duty.
b. fig. An introduction; pl. prolegomena.
1727–41Chambers Cycl. s.v., Hence Propylæum is also used figuratively in matters of learning, for an introduction, apparatus, or prodromus to some greater work. 1893Nation 16 Feb. 128/1 The magnificent propylaea, metaphysical, psychological, historical, through which, in chapter after chapter, he advances to the sacred precincts of his particular themes. |