deesis en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /dɪˈiːsɪs/ (Received-Pronunciation, UK)
Etymology
From Ancient Greek δέησις (déēsis, “entreaty, petition, want”), from δέω (déō, “lack, miss”), δέομαι (déomai, “beg”).
Meanings
- (rhetoric) A call to witness.
- (rhetoric) A vehement expression of desire, as in "think of the children!" or requests preceded by "for God's sake".
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| deësis | alternative | lexicographic |
Synonyms
adjuration (calling to witness)