a. and sb. [f. Gr. proper name Θέσπις + -ΑΝ.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to Thespis, the traditional father of Greek tragedy (6th c. B.C.); hence, of or pertaining to tragedy, or the dramatic art; tragic, dramatic.
1675. Cocker, Morals, 39. Nectar, Ambrosia, and the Thespian Spring, May all avant, for Mony is the Thing.
1748. Thomson, Cast. Indol., I. 463. Oft they snatch the pen, As if inspir’d, and in a Thespian rage; Then write and blot, as would your ruth engage.
1847. (title) Theatrical Times, a Weekly Magazine of Thespian Biography.
1855. Kingsley, Westw. Ho, ii. To extemporise a pageant … or any effort of the Thespian art.
1906. Athenæum, 3 March, 256/2. The Chorus was a reminiscence of the old Thespian drama.
B. sb. A tragedian; an actor or actress.
1827. W. Kennedy, Poems, 42. The Thespian’s outward guise Of happiness, her secret mood belies.
1864. Doran, Ann. Eng. Stage, I. v. 121. The … Lord Chamberlain … clapped the unoffending Thespian … in the Gate House.
