18 July 2015

panoply

[pan-uh-plee]

noun, plural panoplies.
1. a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:
the dazzling panoply of the maharaja’s procession; the panoply of European history.
2. a complete suit of armor.
3. a protective covering.
4. full ceremonial attire or paraphernalia; special dress and equipment.

Origin of panoply
Greek
1570-1580; < Greek panoplía full complement of arms and armor, equivalent to pan- pan- + ( h) ópl (a) arms, armor (cf. hoplite ) + -ia -ia

Related forms
panoplied, adjective
unpanoplied, adjective

Dictionary.com

Examples from the Web for panoply

Contemporary Examples

While a panoply of other circuses operated, these grew even larger.
(We’re All Carnies Now: Why We Can’t Quit the Circus, Anthony Paletta, November 26, 2014)

Just as at the weekend, a panoply of emergency personnel descended on the scene in October.
(Casey Kasem’s Family’s Top 40 Meltdown Moments, Tim Teeman, June 2, 2014)

“Destination,” meanwhile, presents a panoply of nightlife hotspots, serene beaches, and luscious vineyards.
(South African Style and Substance, Paul Laster, June 27, 2010)

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Today’s quote

Where mercy, love, and pity dwell, there God is dwelling too.

– William Blake

On this day

18 July – Mandela Day – An internationally recognised day to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. ‘Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day’. http://www.mandeladay.com/

18 July 64 AD – Great Fire of Rome.

18 July 1918 – birth of Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician. Died 5 December 2013.

18 July 1925 – Adolf Hitler publishes Mein Kampf. He wrote the book in prison while serving a sentence for treason. Mein kampf is German for ‘My Struggle’. The book is a rambling read in which Hitler covers many concepts including what he was like as a child and the reasons for collapse of the Second Reich. At its core it expresses Hitler’s view of his plans for Germany and often blames the Jews for many of the ills that had beset Germany, including the rise of Marxism, controlling the economy, weakening the army and bastardising the white race. Throughout the book, Hitler often mentioned that his plans to combat the Jewish influence in Germany was a fulfilment of the Lord’s will.

18 July 1937 – birth of Hunter S. Thompson, American writer and gonzo journalist. Died 20 February 2005.

18 July 1950 – birth of Richard Branson, British entrepreneur.