Word of the Day

: December 21, 2006

Parthian

adjective PAR-thee-un ("th" as in "think")

What It Means

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Parthia or its people

2 : relating to, being, or having the effect of a shot fired while in real or feigned retreat

Parthian in Context

As a Parthian shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not understand the needs of the city's citizens.

Did You Know?

The adjective "Parthian," which often shows up in the phrase "Parthian shot," has its roots in the military strategies of the ancient Parthians. One of the fighting maneuvers of Parthian horsemen was to discharge arrows while in real or feigned retreat. The maneuver must have been memorable, because "Parthian shot" continues to be used for a "parting shot," or a cutting remark made by a person who is leaving, many centuries after the dissolution of the Parthian empire.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.