Archilochus
|Ar-chi-lo-chus|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈkɪləkəs/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈkɪləkəs/
name of an ancient Greek lyric poet
Etymology
'Archilochus' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀρχίλοχος' (Archílochos), where the prefix 'ἀρχι-' meant 'chief; principal' and 'λόχος' meant 'ambush; band; company'.
'Archilochus' changed from the Ancient Greek name 'Ἀρχίλοχος' into the Latinized form 'Archilochus' and entered modern English through classical texts and scholarly use.
Initially, it meant 'leader/chief of a band' as a name element, but over time it evolved to be used primarily as the proper name of the poet 'Archilochus'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an ancient Greek lyric poet from the island of Paros, active approximately c. 680–645 BCE; known for personal, often iambic, and innovative verse.
Archilochus is often cited as one of the earliest Greek poets to write intensely personal lyric verse.
Last updated: 2026/01/11 09:01