01 n. A dramatic poem, composed in elevated style, representing a signal action performed by some person or persons, and having a fatal issue; th…
pl.
Tragedies ((#))
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1.
A dramatic poem, composed in elevated style, representing a signal action performed by some person or persons, and having a fatal issue; that species of drama which represents the sad or terrible phases of character and life.“Tragedy is to say a certain storie, As olde bookes maken us memorie, Of him that stood in great prosperitee And is yfallen out of high degree Into misery and endeth wretchedly.” — Chaucer.“All our tragedies are of kings and princes.” — Jer. Taylor.“tragedy is poetry in its deepest earnest; comedy is poetry in unlimited jest.” — Coleridge.
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2.
A fatal and mournful event; any event in which human lives are lost by human violence, more especially by unauthorized violence.