{Parthian arrow}, an arrow discharged at an enemy when retreating from him, as was the custom of the ancient Parthians; hence, a parting shot. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
Parthian — may refer to:*Indo Parthian Kingdom *Parthia *Parthian class submarine *Parthian Empire *Parthian language *Parthian shot *Seven Parthian clans … Wikipedia
Parthian — (n.) 1520s, native or inhabitant of Parthia (ancient kingdom northeast of Persia in western Asia), from O.Pers. Parthava Parthian, dialectal variant of the stem Parsa , source of PERSIA (Cf. Persia). As an adjective, 1580s. Phrase Parthian shot… … Etymology dictionary
Parthian — I noun 1. a native or inhabitant of Parthia • Hypernyms: ↑Asian, ↑Asiatic • Member Holonyms: ↑Parthia 2. the Iranian language spoken in the Parthian kingdom (250 BC to AD 226) • Hypernyms: ↑ … Useful english dictionary
Parthian — adjective Date: 1565 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 noun … New Collegiate Dictionary
Parthian — 1. adjective /ˈpɑːθɪən/ a) Relating to Parthia or Parthians. A Parthian shot. b) Delivered as if in retreat. 2. noun /ˈpɑːθɪən/ a) A native or inhabitant of Parthia … Wiktionary
Parthian shot — A Parthian shot is the same as a parting shot, i.e. a final remark or glance made on leaving. The allusion is to the supposed custom of the ancient Parthian horsemen of confusing their enemy by hurling spears into their ranks while in (real or… … Modern English usage
Parthian arrow — Parthian Par thi*an, a. Of or pertaining to ancient Parthia, in Asia. n. A native of Parthia. [1913 Webster] {Parthian arrow}, an arrow discharged at an enemy when retreating from him, as was the custom of the ancient Parthians; hence, a parting… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Parthian shot — n. any hostile gesture or remark made in leaving: Parthian cavalrymen usually shot at the enemy while retreating or pretending to retreat … English World dictionary
Parthian language — Infobox Language name=Parthian nativename= region=Ancient Iran extinct=Marginalized by Middle Persian from the 3rd century familycolor=Indo European fam2=Indo Iranian fam3=Iranian fam4=Western Iranian fam5=Northwestern Iranian iso2=|iso3=xprThe… … Wikipedia
Parthian Empire — A large realm that overcame and replaced the Greek run Seleucid Empire in the second century b.c., bringing Mesopotamia under Parthian rule for nearly four centuries. The Parthians were originally a nomadic people from central Asia who spoke… … Ancient Mesopotamia dictioary
