orphic

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The Word of the Day for July 10 is: 

orphic   \OR-fik\   adj
     1 capitalized : of or relating to Orpheus or the rites or doctrines 
ascribed to him
    *2 : mystic, oracular
     3 : fascinating, entrancing

Example sentence:
     "He liked to speak in orphic epigrams that one listened to respectfully 
but was not expected to dispute." (Donal Henahan, _The New York Times_, June 
14, 1987)

Did you know?
     Orpheus was a hero of Greek mythology who was supposed to possess 
superhuman musical skills. With his legendary lyre, he was said to be able to 
make even the rocks and trees dance around. In fact, when his wife Eurydice 
died, he used his lyre to convince Hades to allow her to return from the 
underworld (though he ultimately failed in this attempt because he broke his 
promise to not look back as they were leaving). Later on, according to legend, 
he was killed at the bidding of Dionysus, and an oracle of Orpheus was 
established that came to rival the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Because of the 
oracle of Orpheus, "orphic" can mean "oracular." Because of Orpheus' musical 
powers, "orphic" can mean "entrancing."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.