Cadmean victory

noun

: a victory obtained only at great or ruinous cost to the victor compare pyrrhic victory

Word History

Etymology

translation of Greek Kadmeia nikē; from the mutual slaughter of all but five of the armed men who sprang from dragon's teeth sown by Cadmus

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cadmean victory was in 1603

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Dictionary Entries Near Cadmean victory

Cadmean

Cadmean victory

cadmic

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Cite this Entry

“Cadmean victory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cadmean%20victory. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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