Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Rhet.) An invocation of, or address to, the Supreme Being.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun rhetoric A calling to witness.
  • noun rhetoric The vehement expression of desire put in terms of "for someone's sake" or "for God's sake."

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Ancient Greek δέησις (deesis, "entreaty, petition, want")

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Examples

  • This was related to Father Albuquerque, [12] who after a fervent deesis entreating compassion on the natives, went to the island, exorcised the evil spirits there and blessed the land.

    The Philippine Islands John Foreman

  • The more common opinion is that the distinction is twofold; first, that proseuche is addressed only to God, whereas deesis may be addressed to men; and secondly, that the former includes all address to God, while the latter is limited to petition.

    A Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians 1797-1878 1860

  • As to the difference between proseuche and deesis, prayer and supplication, some say that the former has for its object the attaining of good; the latter, the avoidance of evil or deliverance from it.

    A Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians 1797-1878 1860

Comments

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  • See also Deesis.

    March 18, 2016

  • When whelmed by more joy or despair

    Than words can express or repair,

    Resort to deesis,

    A verbal prothsesis

    That props up a curse or a prayer.

    March 18, 2016