Word Study
epithet
CIDE DICTIONARY
epithet, n. [L. epitheton, Gr. , fr. added, fr. to add; 'epi` upon, to + to put, place: cf. F. épithète. See Do.].
- An adjective expressing some quality, attribute, or relation, that is properly or specially appropriate to a person or thing; as, a
just man; averdant lawn. [1913 Webster]"A prince [Henry III.] to whom the epithet “worthless” seems best applicable." [1913 Webster] - Term; expression; phrase. Shak.
epithet, v. t.
To describe by an epithet. [1913 Webster]
"Never was a town better epitheted."
OXFORD DICTIONARY
epithet, n.
1 an adjective or other descriptive word expressing a quality or attribute, esp. used with or as a name.
2 such a word as a term of abuse.
1 an adjective or other descriptive word expressing a quality or attribute, esp. used with or as a name.
2 such a word as a term of abuse.
Derivative
epithetic adj. epithetical adj. epithetically adv.
Etymology
F {eacute}pith{egrave}te or L epitheton f. Gk epitheton f. epitithemi add (as EPI-, tithemi place)
THESAURUS
epithet
abuse, appellation, appellative, binomen, binomial name, blackguard, byword, call names, catchword, cognomen, cryptonym, curse, cuss, cuss out, cuss word, damn, denomination, designation, device, dirty name, dirty word, dysphemism, empty title, epigraph, epithetize, eponym, euonym, expletive, foul invective, handle, honorific, hyponym, inscription, label, moniker, motto, name, namesake, naughty word, no-no, nomen, nomen nudum, oath, obscenity, profane oath, proper name, proper noun, revile, scientific name, secret name, slogan, style, swear at, swearword, tag, tag line, tautonym, title, trinomen, trinomial name, vilify, vituperate, watchwordROGET THESAURUS
epithet
Nomenclature
N nomenclature, naming, nuncupation, nomination, baptism, orismology, onomatopoeia, antonomasia, name, appelation, appelative, designation, title, heading, rubric, caption, denomination, by-name, epithet, style, proper name, praenomen, agnomen, cognomen, patronymic, surname, cognomination, eponym, compellation, description, antonym, empty title, empty name, handle to one's name, namesake, term, expression, noun, byword, convertible terms, technical term, cant, named, hight, ycleped, known as, what one may well, call fairly, call properly, call fitly, nuncupatory, nuncupative, cognominal, titular, nominal, orismological, beggar'd all description.For further exploring for "epithet" in Webster Dictionary Online