I. ˈȯrfik, ˈȯ(ə)f-, -fēk adjective
also or·phi·cal -fə̇kəl, -fēk-
Etymology: orphic from Latin Orphicus, from Greek Orphikos, from Orpheus, Thracian poet and musician in Greek mythology who was a favorite of the muses and who symbolized the spirit of music + -ikos -ic; orphical from Latin Orphic us + English -al
1. usually capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the literature, rites, or doctrines ascribed to him
the Eleusinian, the Dionysian, and the Orphic rites were the most important mystery religions of Greece — G.E.Mylonas
Orphic cults … influenced the sublime mysticism of Plato — Nathaniel Micklem
the Orphic brotherhoods, wandering evangelists of a new life — E.D.Soper
2. sometimes capitalized : esoteric
orphic doctrine
orphic expression
: mystic , oracular
orphic sayings
plunged into a sort of youthful orphic response to existence — Louise Bogan
his critical style is often orphic … in its immaculate ardor — New York Herald Tribune Book Review
3. : resembling the music or song ascribed to Orpheus : entrancing
the imagination sings orphic songs from the center of existence — Stephen Spender
• or·phi·cal·ly -fə̇k(ə)lē, -fēk-, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an Orphic song or hymn
2.
[ orph ism + -ic ]
: an adherent of the Orphic rites or doctrines