Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for TRO'PHY
TRO'PHY, n. [L. tropæum; Gr. τροπαιον; Fr. trophée; Sp, and It. trofeo.]
- Among the ancients, pile of arms taken from a vanquished enemy, raised on the field of battle by the conquerors; also, the representation of such a pile in marble, on medals and the like; or according to others, trophies were trees planted in conspicuous places of the conquered provinces, and hung with the spoils of the enemy, in memory of the victory. Hence,
- Any thing taken and preserved as a memorial of victory, as arms, flags, standards and the like, taken from an enemy. Around the posts hung helmets, darts and spears, / And captive chariots, axes, shields and bars, / And broken beaks of ships, the trophies of their wars. – Dryden.
- In architecture, an ornament representing the stem of a tree, charged or encompassed with arms and military weapons, offensive and defensive. Cyc.
- Something that is evidence of victory; memorial of conquest. Present every hearer to Christ as a trophy of grace.
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