1590s, from Latin paean "hymn of deliverance," from Greek paian "hymn, chant, hymn to Apollo," from Paian, a name of the god of healing; originally the physician of the gods (in Ho [..]

Among the earliest Greeks, the word paean signifies "a dance and hymn with a specific rhythm which is endued with an absolving and healing power" (Burkett 44). In later usage, any so [..]

(n) a formal expression of praise(n) (ancient Greece) a hymn of praise (especially one sung in ancient Greece to invoke or thank a deity)

N M hymn (usually of victory| to Apollo/other gods); Paean (Greek Apollo as healer)

Any loud and joyous song; a song of triumph. An enthusiastic expression of praise.

Let's say you're in ancient Greece and you want to thank the gods for giving you something awesome—you know, like a really tasty orange or the death of one of your enemies. What do you do?Yo [..]