'Trophies' definitions:
Definition of 'Trophies'
From: GCIDE
- Trophy \Tro"phy\, n.; pl. Trophies. [F. troph['e]e (cf. It. & Sp. trofeo), L. tropaeum, trophaeum, Gr. ?, strictly, a monument of the enemy's defeat, fr.? a turn, especially, a turning about of the enemy, a putting to flight or routing him, fr. ? to turn. See Trope.]
- 1. (Gr. & Rom. Antiq.) A sign or memorial of a victory raised on the field of battle, or, in case of a naval victory, on the nearest land. Sometimes trophies were erected in the chief city of the conquered people. [1913 Webster]
- Note: A trophy consisted originally of some of the armor, weapons, etc., of the defeated enemy fixed to the trunk of a tree or to a post erected on an elevated site, with an inscription, and a dedication to a divinity. The Romans often erected their trophies in the Capitol. [1913 Webster]
- 2. The representation of such a memorial, as on a medal; esp. (Arch.), an ornament representing a group of arms and military weapons, offensive and defensive. [1913 Webster]
- 3. Anything taken from an enemy and preserved as a memorial of victory, as arms, flags, standards, etc. [1913 Webster]
- Around the posts hung helmets, darts, and spears, And captive chariots, axes, shields, and bars, And broken beaks of ships, the trophies of their wars. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
- 4. Any evidence or memorial of victory or conquest; as, every redeemed soul is a trophy of grace. [1913 Webster]