[L. Cynthia (dea), the Cynthian goddess, i.e., Artemis or Diana, said to have been born on Mount Cynthus; hence the Moon.] A poetic name for the Moon personified as a goddess. Hence Cynthian, of the Moon.
1632. Milton, Penseroso, 59. While Cynthia checks her dragon yoke.
1680. Otway, Caius Marius, IV. i. The reflection of pale Cynthia’s Brightness.
1814. Byron, Lara, II. xxiv. When Cynthia’s light almost gave way to morn.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., VII. 318. Nylus increaseth … when the Sunne … warming with his vigorous face, the Septentrion sides of these Cynthian Mountaynes.
