ˈepəˌgram, -raa(ə)m noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English epigrame, from Latin epigramma, from Greek, from epigraphein to write on, inscribe, from epi- + graphein to write — more at carve
1. obsolete : epigraph 1
2.
a. : a short poem treating concisely, pointedly, and often satirically of a single thought or event and often ending with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought
the Earl of Rochester's epigram on Charles II: “here lies our sovereign lord the king, whose word no man relies on; he never says a foolish thing nor ever does a wise one”
b. : a terse, sage, or witty often paradoxical saying
speaks in a characteristically paradoxical epigram of the “sacred duty of lawlessness” — G.L.Kline
— compare aphorism , apothegm
c. : epigrammatic expression
his conversation … was a cascade of wit, epigram , and poetic images — G.H.Genzmer
3. : a small piece of meat (as of lamb, game, poultry) usually breaded and fried and served with a sauce and vegetables as an entree