Hendecacolic

/ˌhɛndɛkəˈkɒlɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having the characteristics of hendecacoli (a group of early Christian hymn writers known for their 11-syllable verse patterns).

Etymology

From Greek 'hendeca-' (eleven) plus 'cola' (clause or part of a metrical phrase). The term describes writers who composed in a specific 11-syllable meter used in early Christian hymns.

Kelly Says

The hendecacolic poets were deliberately choosing the number 11 for their verses—this wasn't random; in medieval Christianity, numbers had symbolic meaning, and 11 represented sin (as it exceeds the 10 commandments).

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