Pl. epithalamiums, -ia. Also 6–7 epithalamion, 7 epythalamium. [L. epithalamium, a. Gr. ἐπιθαλάμιον, neut. of ἐπιθαλάμιος, f. ἐπί upon + θάλαμος bride chamber.] A nuptial song or poem in praise of the bride and bridegroom, and praying for their prosperity.
1595. Spenser (title), Epithalamion.
c. 1600. Timon, III. v. (1842), 54. Sing us some sweete epithalamion.
1607. Marston, What You Will, II. i. Epythalamiums will I singe my chucke, Go on, spend freely, out on drosse tis muck.
1653. Cloria & Narcissus, I. 81. To sing Epithalamions to our marriage Feasts.
1684. T. Burnet, Th. Earth, II. 168. The 45th psalm … is an epithalamium to Christ and the Church.
1739. Melmoth, Fitzosb. Lett. (1763), 339. Give me timely notice of your wedding day, that I may be prepared with my epithalamium.
1828. Carlyle, Misc. (1857), I. 163. Your occasional verses, birthday odes, epithalamiums, epicediums, by which ‘the dream of existence may be so highly sweetened and embellished.’
1859. J. C. Hobhouse, Italy, II. 210. The Epithalamiums of Catullus and of Statius.
1860. Adler, Fauriel’s Prov. Poetry, iv. 67. The epithalamia belonged likewise to the popular class of poetry.
attrib. 1621. Quarles, Argalus & P. (1678), 102. Meanwhile, a dainty warbling Brest … presents this Epithal’mion Song.
Hence Epithalamize v. trans., to compose an epithalamium for.
1802. T. Twining, in Sel. Papers Twining Family (1887), 243. He will epithalamise you in person, I suppose.
