Triumphus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A formal or ceremonial expression of victory often associated with ancient Roman celebrations
2. A grand festival or procession held to honor a significant achievement or conquest, particularly in a historical context
3. An elaborate display of success, typically marked by public honors and celebrations in tribute to notable accomplishments

Etymology: The word "triumphus" was the Latin name for the procession a victorious Roman general held in Rome. The commander, dressed in purple and gold and riding a chariot, led his army through the city, with captives and spoils carried before him and a slave whispering in his ear to remind him that he was mortal. Ancient sources describe the ceremony as the highest honour the Republic could give a commander who had won a major war. The Latin word probably came from a Etruscan source, a loan into Latin that also gave Romans the idea of a "triumph" as a grand public display. Its exact earlier origin is uncertain, so the safest thing to say is that the word was native to Rome's own ceremonial life rather than a term imported from Greek. Through Old French "triumphe", the word reached English, where it first meant a public celebration of victory before coming to mean any great success. The modern sense of winning a contest owes more to the Roman parade than to any Greek idea of victory.