I. ˈe-pik adjective
Etymology: Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos word, speech, poem — more at voice
Date: 1589
1. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic
an epic poem
2.
a. : extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope
his genius was epic — Times Literary Supplement
b. : heroic
• ep·i·cal -pi-kəl adjective
• ep·i·cal·ly -pi-k(ə-)lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1706
1. : a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero
the Iliad and the Odyssey are epic s
2. : a work of art (as a novel or drama) that resembles or suggests an epic
3. : a series of events or body of legend or tradition thought to form the proper subject of an epic
the winning of the West was a great American epic