Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The chorus in medieval passion-plays, representing the Jewish populace.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Dialogue, on the authority of Pliny, who tells us that those wretched sycophants had two nick-names; one in Greek, [Greek: Sophokleis], and the other in Latin, LAUDICÆNI; the former from _sophos_, the usual exclamation of applause, as in Martial: _Quid tam grande sophos clamat tibi turba, togata_; the Latin word importing _parasites_ who sold their praise for a supper.

    A Dialogue Concerning Oratory, Or The Causes Of Corrupt Eloquence The Works Of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With An Essay On His Life And Genius, Notes, Supplements Caius Cornelius Tacitus

  • The effect is accomplished by mixing soap and water in a special pillow case — though it's called a turba, according to Ms. Licastro — then wringing it out onto the body.

    Glowing, if Roughed Up Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

  • The function of the recitative is to relate the story or action; the aria reflects on the action or becomes a state of mind; and the chorus completes the thought, summarizes the situation, or participates in the action (the turba chorus).

    2008 December 18 « One-Minute Book Reviews 2008

  • Hoy sale vociferando el señor Leonel Teller diciendo que una turba trató de asesinar (Con que señor teller? con la bandera de Nicaragua???) al ex presidente y a toda su familia.

    Nicaraguan Protesters Pay Visit to Former President 2008

  • To the priest were assigned the words of our Lord, the deacon assumed the rôle of the Evangelist, or chronista, while the sub-deacon represented the crowd, or turba, and the various other persons mentioned in the narrative.

    Archive 2008-03-01 bls 2008

  • To the priest were assigned the words of our Lord, the deacon assumed the rôle of the Evangelist, or chronista, while the sub-deacon represented the crowd, or turba, and the various other persons mentioned in the narrative.

    A Palm Sunday Sung Passion bls 2008

  • Refraenate monopolii licentiam, pauciores alantur otio, redintegretur agricolatio, lanificium instauretur, ut sit honestum negotium quo se exerceat otiosa illa turba.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Nunc sanitatis patrocinium est insanientium turba.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Quid sibi vult pixidum turba, saith [5005] Lucian, to what use are pins, pots, glasses, ointments, irons, combs, bodkins, setting-sticks? why bestow they all their patrimonies and husbands 'yearly revenues on such fooleries?

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

  • Accrescit dulcis affinium turba, duplicatur numerus parentum, fratrum, sororum, nepotum. — 10.

    Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

Comments

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  • "Shia may place a piece of stone or clay, known as a turba, from the shrine of an Imam or other Shia figure on the ground so that their forehead touches the stone when they prostrate themselves in prayer. The possession of such a disc is a sign of Shia identity." - anonymous.

    December 7, 2007

  • You found it!

    December 7, 2007