‖ Pythia
(ˈpɪθɪə, ˈpaɪ-)
[a. Gr. Πῡθία (sc. ἱέρεια) the priestess of Pythian Apollo at Delphi, fem. of Πῡ́θιος adj. Delphic, f. Πῡθώ, a place-name (see Pythian). In F. Pythie (Rabelais).]
1. Gr. Antiq. The priestess of Apollo at Delphi, who delivered the oracles.
| 1842 L. Schmitz in Smith Dict. Gr. & Rom. Antiq. 668/2 When Greece was in its most flourishing state,..there were always two Pythias who took their seat on the tripod alternately. Ibid. 669/2 Over this chasm there stood a high tripod, on which the Pythia..took her seat whenever the oracle was to be consulted. Ibid. 671/1 In the days of Plutarch one Pythia was, as of old, sufficient to do all the work. 1844 Mrs. Browning Dead Pan xxx, Pythia staggered, feeling o'er her Her lost god's forsaking look. |
2. Zool. A genus of gastropod molluscs.