Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

Acrostic

Acros′tic

(Greek, akros stichos) The term was first applied to the verses of the Erythræan sibyl, written on leaves. These prophecies were excessively obscure, but were so contrived that when the leaves were sorted and laid in order, their initial letters always made a word. —Dionys., iv. 62.

Acrostic poetry
among the Hebrews consisted of twenty-two lines or stanzas beginning with the letters of the alphabet in succession, as Psalm cxix., etc.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Acrostics
Acropolis
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content