Triumph

Tri"umph (?), n. [L. triumphus, OL. triumpus; of uncertain origin; cf. Gr. ? a procession in honor of Bacchus: cf. F. triomphe. Cf. Trump at cards.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a general who had gained a decisive victory over a foreign enemy.

☞ The general was allowed to enter the city crowned with a wreath of laurel, bearing a scepter in one hand, and a branch of laurel in the other, riding in a circular chariot, of a peculiar form, drawn by four horses. He was preceded by the senate and magistrates, musicians, the spoils, the captives in fetters, etc., and followed by his army on foot in marching order. The procession advanced in this manner to the Capitoline Hill, where sacrifices were offered, and victorious commander entertained with a public feast.

2. Hence, any triumphal procession; a pompous exhibition; a stately show or pageant. [Obs.]

Our daughter,
In honor of whose birth these triumphs are,
Sits here, like beauty's child.

3. A state of joy or exultation for success.

Great triumph and rejoicing was in heaven.

Hercules from Spain
Arrived in triumph, from Geryon slain.

4. Success causing exultation; victory; conquest; as, the triumph of knowledge.

5. A trump card; also, an old game at cards. [Obs.]

Tri"umph, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Triumphed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Triumphing.] [L. triumphare: cf. F. triompher. See Triumph, n.] 1. To celebrate victory with pomp; to rejoice over success; to exult in an advantage gained; to exhibit exultation.

How long shall the wicked triumph?

Sorrow on thee and all the pack of you
That triumph thus upon my misery!

2. To obtain victory; to be successful; to prevail.

Triumphing over death, and chance, and thee, O Time.

On this occasion, however, genius triumphed.

3. To be prosperous; to flourish.

Where commerce triumphed on the favoring gales.

4. To play a trump card. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Tri"umph, v. t. To obtain a victory over; to prevail over; to conquer. Also, to cause to triumph. [Obs.]

Two and thirty legions that awe
All nations of the triumphed word.