a. (sb.) [ad. L. triumphālis, f. triumphus TRIUMPH, or a. OF. triumphal (trionfal, 12th c. in Godef., Compl.), F. triomphal: see -AL.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of a triumph; celebrating or commemorating a triumph or victory.
Triumphal arch († arc), an arch (sometimes threefold) erected, first by the Roman emperors and also in modern times, in commemoration of a victory; also a temporary structure of this kind. Triumphal chaplet, garland, wreath, the laurel wreath worn by the victor at a Roman triumph. Triumphal images, the laurel-wreathed statues which a triumphing general might bequeath to his descendants. Triumphal ornaments, the insignia of triumphing generals, consuls, etc.; also, the privileges or distinctions bestowed on them.
1430–40. Lydg., Bochas, IV. i. (MS. Bodl. 263), 211/2. The tryumphal [crowns] maked wer of gold Offred in tryumphes to worthi Emperours.
1463. Ashby, Prisoner’s Refl., 209. Thou may be in heuyn menyall Seruaunt thorough thy tryumphall victory By mekenes and werkes merytory.
1495. Trevisa’s Barth. De P. R., XVII. xlviii. (W. de W.), P ij/2. The lauri tree … is properly halowed to triumphal worship of Conquerours.
1539. Tonstall, Serm. Palm Sund. (1823), 15. The crosse is now euery where amongest Christen men erected … as an arche triumphal ageinst the deuyll.
1542. Udall, Erasm. Apoph., 254 b. The garlande triumphal [was made] of golde.
1550. Sir T. Hoby, Trav. (1902), 36. A verie bewtifull triumphall arke of the Emperor Nerva.
1591. Savile, Tacitus, Agricola (1622), 200. That all the honours of triumphall ornaments, image triumphall,… should be awarded vnto him in Senat.
1601. Holland, Pliny, XXII. iii. II. 115. The Chaplet Triumphall, which they ware who entred with triumph into Rome.
1681. Lond. Gaz., No. 1631/1. A Triumphal Arch was Erected near the first Gate.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Triumphal Crown,… a Crown at first made of Laurel, and afterwards of Gold, which the Cities usually sent to the Victorious General, to wear on the Day of his Triumphal Entry.
1776. Gibbon, Decl. & F., xi. (1846), I. 323. The triumphal car of Aurelian … was drawn … either by four stags or by four elephants.
1835. T. Mitchell, Acharn. of Aristoph., 1099, note. A triumphal ode in honour of Hercules.
1884. Pall Mall G., 28 Aug., 1/1. The Prime Minister has arrived at Midlothian after a triumphal progress.
† 2. Victorious, triumphant. Obs.
1513. Douglas, Æneis, VIII. iv. 47. Wyth proud spulȝe arryving triumphall.
1618. Bolton, Florus (1636), 31. He returned home to his Oxen, a tryumphall husbandman.
B. sb. † 1. An ode of triumph or victory; a pæan. Obs. rare.
1589. Peele, Eclogue, Wks. (Rtldg.), 561/2. Man, if triumphals here be in request, Then let them chant them that can chant them best.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie, I. xxiii. (Arb.), 61. Our Triumphals written in honour of her Maiesties long peace.
† 2. A token of triumph. Obs. rare–1.
1671. Milton, P. R., IV. 578. The Fiend … to his crew … brought Joyless triumphals of his hop’t success, Ruin, and desperation, and dismay.
† 3. A triumphal car or chariot. Obs. rare–1.
1633. Shirley, Triumph Peace, Introd. The four triumphals, or magnificent chariots, in which were mounted the Grand Masquers.
† 4. A triumphal celebration; a triumph. Obs.
1592. Sylvester, Tri. Faith, i. A sacred Virgin’s stately Triumphals.
1675. G. R., trans. Le Grand’s Man without Passion, 37. As he makes her to assist at her Triumphals, he will have her the constant companion of her Labours.
