What is the origin of the word pyrrhic?

From the Greek name Πύρρος (Pyrrhos) meaning “flame-coloured, red”, related to πῦρ (pyr) meaning “fire”. This was another name of Neoptolemus the son of Achilles. This was also the name of a 3rd-century BC king of Epirus who was famed for his victorious yet costly battles against Rome.

Why is pyrrhic capitalized?

Use the adjective pyrrhic to describe a victory that is won, but at too great a cost. In this use as an adjective, the word is often capitalized. The word pyrrhic comes from the Greek general, Pyrrhus, who defeated the Romans at the Battle of Asculum but lost so many troops that he couldn’t defeat Rome itself.

What is a pyrrhic in English?

(Entry 1 of 2) : a metrical foot consisting of two short or unaccented syllables. Pyrrhic. adjective.

Where did the word Pyrrhic get its name?

Early 17th century via Latin from Greek purrhikhios (pous) ‘pyrrhic (foot)’, the metre of a song accompanying a war dance, named after Purrhikhos, inventor of the dance.

How did the Battle of Pyrrhic victory get its name?

Pyrrhic victory is named after King Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose army suffered irreplaceable casualties in defeating the Romans at the Battle of Heraclea in 280 BC and the Battle of Asculum in 279 BC, during the Pyrrhic War. After the latter battle, Plutarch relates in a report by Dionysius:

Who was the king of Epirus during the Pyrrhic War?

Pyrrhic victory is named after king Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose army suffered irreplaceable casualties in defeating the Romans at the Battle of Heraclea in 280 BC and the Battle of Asculum in 279 BC, during the Pyrrhic War.

How does Plutarch describe the victory of Pyrrhus?

Greek historian Plutarch described King Pyrrhus’s victory over the Romans in his “Life of Pyrrhus:” “The armies separated; and, it is said, Pyrrhus replied to one that gave him joy of his victory that one other such victory would utterly undo him.