Laconian, a. and n.
(ləˈkəʊnɪən)
[f. L. Lacōni-a (f. Gr. λάκων Laconian) + -an.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to Laconia or its inhabitants; Lacedæmonian, Spartan. B. n.
1. An inhabitant of Laconia.
| 1602 Metamorph. Tabacco 41 The rude Laconians, whom Lycurgus care Barr'd from the traffick of exotick ware. 1842 Prichard Nat. Hist. Man 201 The Laconians differ in manners and address from their neighbours the Arcadians. |
| Comb. 1580 North Plutarch (1676) 44 Some had reason which said heretofore, to speak Laconian-like, was to be Philosopher-like. |
2. The dialect of ancient Greek spoken in Laconia (Sparta).
| 1830 Tufnell & Lewis tr. Müller's Hist. & Antiq. Doric Race II. App. viii. 502 We have considered the Doric dialect in general, as spoken by the whole race, only marking out the Laconian as its purest variety. 1875 Encycl. Brit. XI. 133/2 Three changes characteristic of Laconian came in at a comparatively late date. 1954 Pei & Gaynor Dict. Ling. 118 Laconian, one of the Doric dialects of ancient Greek. |