Lethean, a.
(liːˈθiːən)
Also 7–8 Lethæan.
[f. L. Lēthæ-us (a. Gr. ληθαῖος, f. λήθη Lethe) + -an.]
Pertaining to the river Lethe; hence, pertaining to or causing oblivion or forgetfulness of the past.
| c 1645 Howell Lett. III. vi. 10, I did not think Suffolk waters had such a lethæan quality in them. 1667 Milton P.L. ii. 604 They ferry over this Lethean Sound. 1697 Dryden Virg. Georg. iv. 786 Nine Mornings thence, Lethean Poppy bring. 1784 Cowper Task iv. 475 The craftsman there [at the tavern] Takes a Lethean leave of all his toil. a 1849 Poe Poems, Ulalume v, The Lethean peace of the skies. 1850 Tennyson In Mem. xliv, If Death so taste Lethean springs. 1888 A. S. Wilson Lyric of Hopeless Love lv. 178 No murmured Lethean lullaby. |
¶ b. (See quot.; as if from L. lēt(h)um death.)
| 1670 Blount Glossogr., Lethean,..deadly, mortal, pestiferous. |