Milesian

1 of 4

adjective (1)

Mi·​le·​sian

mə̇ˈlēzhən,

(ˈ)mī¦l-,

-ēshən

1

: of or belonging to the ancient city of Miletus, Asia Minor, or to its residents

2

: belonging or relating to a Milesian school of nature philosophers of the 6th century b.c. who were mainly concerned with the basal stuff of which the world is made compare anaximandrian , thalesian

Milesian

2 of 4

noun (1)

"

plural -s

1

: a native or resident of ancient Miletus

2

: a member of the Milesian school

Milesian

3 of 4

adjective (2)

"

: belonging or relating to the legendary earliest Celts of Ireland

broadly : irish

the banshee haunts only members of the high Milesian race

—Padraic Colum

Milesian

4 of 4

noun (2)

"

plural -s

: one of a legendary early Celtic people of Ireland said to have come from Spain

broadly : irishman

a true Milesian, pious Catholic, and descendant of King Somebody

—Anthony Trollope

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Latin milesius Milesian (from Greek milēsios, from Milētus Miletus) + English -an

Adjective (2)

Milesius (Miledh), mythical Spanish king whose followers are supposed to have conquered Ireland about 1300 b.c. and are regarded as the ancestors of most of the Irish + English -an

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