Cothurnal

/koʊˈθɜrnəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of the cothurn boot; by extension, relating to tragic drama or elevated, dignified style.

Etymology

From 'cothurn' + '-al' (relating to), following Latin adjectival formations; used metaphorically for high-minded theatrical work.

Kelly Says

When Renaissance scholars called Shakespeare 'cothurnal,' they meant he achieved the tragic grandeur of ancient theater—the boot became a metaphor for literary ambition itself.

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