Definitions for damon and pythiasˈdeɪ mən
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
Da′mon and Pyth′iasˈdeɪ mən(n.)
two legendary Greeks of ancient Syracuse, whose mutual loyalty was shown by Damon's offer of his life as a pledge that Pythias, sentenced to death, would return from settling his affairs to face execution.
Category: Mythology
Princeton's WordNet
Damon and Pythias(noun)
(Greek mythology) according to a Greek legend: when Pythias was sentenced to be executed Damon took his place to allow Pythias to get his affairs in order; when Pythias returned in time to save Damon the king was so impressed that he let them both live
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
Damon and Pythias
two Pythagoreans of Syracuse of the days of Dionysius I., celebrated for their friendship; upon the latter having been condemned to death, and having got leave to go home to arrange his affairs beforehand, the former pledged his life for his return, when just as, according to his promise, he presented himself at the place of execution, Pythias turned up and prepared to put his head on the block; this behaviour struck the tyrant with such admiration, that he not only extended pardon to the offender, but took them both into his friendship.
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