I want a word for a poem that means 'harp-like' and harpic fits perfectly but can I get away with this (yes I know it's a brand of toilet cleaner)? Harpy obviously refers to the hideous beast. Harpish also sounds okay but not as good as harpic. Any thoughts gratefully received.
Jude
WilkyBarKid | April 12, 2007 - 22:00
Acording to my ancient copy of the Concise Oxford Dictionary, the correct term is 'harpian', which may be too many syllables for your purpose.
What's wrong with sticking to 'harp-like'?
I'd certainly avoid 'harpic' - and 'harpish' is a made up word that sounds very colloquial.
One suggestion I could make is to substitute 'lyre' for 'harp', then you would end up with the word 'lyric' instead, which may have useful extra connotations, according to context.
poetjude | April 13, 2007 - 07:51
Thank you so much WBK...harpian is perfect...I can re-jig the line to make it fit!
I obviously need an ancient dictionary...dictionary.com was no help at all.
jude
"Cacoethes scribendi"
http://www.judesworld.net