Parthian

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The Word of the Day for December 21 is:

Parthian   \PAR-thee-un ("th" as in "think")\   adjective
     1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of ancient Parthia or its people
    *2 : relating to, being, or having the effect of a shot fired while in real 
or feigned retreat

Example sentence:
     As a Parthian shot, she said that the other candidate simply did not 
understand the needs of the city's citizens.

Did you know?
     The adjective "Parthian," which often shows up in the phrase "Parthian 
shot," has its roots in the military strategies of the ancient Parthians. One 
of the fighting maneuvers of Parthian horsemen was to discharge arrows while in 
real or feigned retreat. The maneuver must have been memorable, because 
"Parthian shot" continues to be used for a "parting shot," or a cutting remark 
made by a person who is leaving, many centuries after the dissolution of the 
Parthian empire.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.  





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