planxty

English

Etymology

Compare Latin planxī (“I have mourned ...”), planctus (“a lament or dirge”), and plangere (“to mourn aloud”).

Noun

planxty (plural planxties)

1. An Irish or Welsh melody for the harp, sometimes of a mournful character.
   • 1900, C. J. Hamilton (editor), Notable Irishwomen, Lady Morgan:

     Dr. Arne. Owenson, who was a handsome young man with a commanding presence, was bitten by a mania for the stage, but failed to make much impression as an actor, though he sang, and danced an Irish planxty in the character of Teague with great success.

References

• “planxty”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.