[ad. Gr. χρηστομάθεια, f. χρηστός useful + -μαθεια learning. Cf. F. chrestomathie.] A collection of choice passages from an author or authors, esp. one compiled to assist in the acquirement of a language.
1829. Moses Stuart (title), A Hebrew Chrestomathy.
1832. Fraser’s Mag., V. 171. The chrestomathy and diamond edition of that living polyglot book of man.
1847. Dorn (title), Chrestomathy of the Pushtu or Afghan Language.
1854. Keightley, Mythol. Anc. Gr. & Italy (ed. 3), 439. Fragments of the Chrestomathy of Proclus.
1881. Academy, No. 452. 14. The texts … have been augmented, and now form a genuine Béarnais chrestomathy.
1883. American, VI. 10. Omitting some pieces, adding others, and constructing what we may call a Browning chrestomathy.
