genethliacon

English

Etymology

Via Latin genethliacon from Ancient Greek γενεθλιακόν (genethliakón, “of or related to a birthday”, neuter sg.).

Noun

genethliacon (plural genethliaca)

1. A birthday ode.
   • 1565, Thomas Beccon, “The thyrde sermon of the songe of the Angels.”, in A new postil conteinyng most godly and learned sermons vpon all the Sonday Gospelles, London: Thomas Marshe, page f. 38v:

     For they singe such a Genethliacon and byrth verse as was neuer heard of before in the worlde.

   • 1589, Ascribed to George Puttenham, “The forme of Poeticall reioysings.”, in Edward Arber, editor, The arte of English poesie.‎^[1], London: Alex, Murray, & Son, published 1869, The First Booke, Of Poets and Poesie, page 61:

     Others for magnificence at the natiuities of Princes children, or by custome used yearely upon the same dayes, are called songs natall or Genethliaca.

Related terms

• genethliac