Plural of epicedium; a collection of funeral poems or elegies composed to honor and mourn the dead.
Greek plural form of 'epicedium,' derived from 'epi' (upon) + 'kedos' (sorrow). Used in Classical scholarship to refer to assembled collections of mourning poetry and funeral verses.
Roman emperors would commission collections of epicedia from the finest poets of the time, creating what was essentially an ancient 'best of' compilation album dedicated to celebrating the deceased's life and legacy.
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