A Glossary of Greek Words

Many of the italicized foreign words are defined in the articles, but the following terms may require explanation.

adyton: the innermost sanctuary of an ancient temple.

Armatole: Greek hired to fight the Klephts (q.v.), but who also eventually joined the struggle for independence.

caïque: a type of Mediterranean sailboat.

cella: the sanctuary of a Greek temple enclosed by the outside columns.

drachma: the Greek monetary unit, based on the decimal system. At present rates, 30 drachmas to the dollar.

Evzone: a Greek soldier (light infantryman) wearing the kilt of the Klepht (q.v.), or Greek mountaineer.

iconostasis: the high chancel screen in Greek Orthodox churches. Usually decorated with icons.

Klepht: Greek outlaw fighting the Ottoman occupation.

lepton: obsolete Greek coin; 100 lepta to 1 drachma.

metope: the part of the frieze of a Doric temple between the triglyphs, often adorned with sculpture.

myroloï: a dirge-like song.

panegyri: a village festival and fair.

pyrricheios: an ancient Greek warrior dance.

stele: a slab of stone or marble set over an ancient grave.

stoa: an open, often colonnaded, portico.