orthian

See also: orþian

English

Alternative forms

• Orthyan (obsolete)

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ὄρθιος (órthios, “high-pitched, upright”), from ὀρθός (orthós, “straight”).

Adjective

orthian (comparative more orthian, superlative most orthian)

1. Denoting a type of singing at a very high pitch.
   • 1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC:

     [W]hen he used to hear his empress singing the loud Orthyan song among the servants below, he would often in whispers communicate to the lieutenant, hints of what he would do if so be he was not deprived of the use of his precious limbs.

Anagrams

• Rothian, thorian