Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Metastasio, Pietro Bonaventura an eminent Italian poet, deserves our notice as the author of several sacred dramas, oratorios, etc. He was born at Rome in 1698, and was originally named TRAPASSI. He manifested at an early, age extraordinary talents for improvisation on any subject. Having attracted the notice of the celebrated jurist Gravina, he was … Continue reading “Metastasio, Pietro Bonaventura”

Metastasio, Pietro Italian poet, b. at Rome, 1698; d. at Vienna, 1782. Of humble origins, his father, once a Papal soldier, was later a pork-butcher; Metastasio was placed in the shop of a goldsmith to learn his craft. By some chance he attracted the attention of the jurisconsult and littérateur, Vincenzo Gravina, who took him … Continue reading “Metastasio, Pietro”

Metastasio Court poet of Vienna, 1730-1782. Born Rome, Italy, 13 January 1698; died Vienna, Austria, 12 April 1782. Under the name Metastasio he wrote numerous lyrical dramas, among them “Orti Esperidi,” and his masterpiece “Attilio Regio.” He also wrote the poems for many cantatas and oratorios. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary

metaphysics (Greek: meta, after or beyond; physika, physics) Historically this word probably originated with Andronicus of Rhodes who arranged the works of Aristotle in two series; the books on physics and those “after the physics.” This caption eventually was accepted as the title of the treatise immediately following it, because its subject matter is beyond … Continue reading “Metaphysics”

Metaphysical ethics Any view according to which ethics is a branch of metaphysics, ethical principles being derived from metaphysical principles and ethical notions being defined in terms of metaphysical notions. — W.K.F. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Metaphysical essence (in Scholasticism) The complexus of notes which are in a thing, as it is conceived by us — i.e. the principle and primary notes by which that thing is sufficiently understood and distinguished from other things. — H.G. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Metaphysical deduction An examination of the logical functions of thought that there are certain a priori forms of synthesis which belong to the very constitution, the bare, purely formal machinery of the understanding. — H.H. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Metaphrastes, Symeon (Sumeòn ’o metaphrástes). The principal compiler of the legends of saints in the Menologia of the Byzantine Church. Through the importance of this collection his name has become one of the most famous among those of medieval Greek writers. The epithet Metaphrastes may be rendered Compiler; it is given to him from the … Continue reading “Metaphrastes, Symeon”

Metaphrastes, Simeon a Byzantine writer of the Middle Ages, acquired great reputation by his compilation of the lives of many saints and martyrs. Very little is known of his individual history. It appears, however, to be proved that he lived at Constantinople, and there filled an official position. The name Metaphrastes was given him on … Continue reading “Metaphrastes, Simeon”

Metaphors METAPHORS.A metaphor is a blossom of one tree on the branch of another; it is a figure of speech by which a word or phrase is lifted to a meaning to which it is not literally entitled. A simple trope is a metaphor condensed. Similes are metaphors explained. Parables and allegories are similes or … Continue reading “Metaphors”