Tri′umph1, n.
n. [Fr. triomphe, Pr. triomfe, Sp. & Pg. triunfo, It. trionfo, Lat. triumphus, O. Lat. triumpus, allied to Gr. θρίαμβος, a procession in honor of Bacchus.]
Sense 1. (Rom. Antig.) A magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a general who had gained a decisive victory.
☞ 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, &c., 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 the victorious commander entertained with a public feast.
Sense 2. A triumphal procession; a pompous exhibition; a stately show or pageantry. [Obs.]
Our daughter, In honor of whose birth these triumphs are, Sits here, like beauty’s child. Shak.
Sense 3. Joy or exultation for success.
Great triumph and rejoicing was in heaven. Milton.
Sense 4. Success causing exultation; victory; conquest.
Hercules from Spain Arrived in triumph, from Geryon slain. Dryden.
The vain coquettes the trifling triumphs boast. Logie.
Sense 5. A card that takes all others; a trump. See TRUMP. [Obs.]