boustrophedon [boo-struh-feed-n, -fee-don, bou-] ExamplesWord Origin noun
- an ancient method of writing in which the lines run alternately from right to left and from left to right.
Origin of boustrophedon 1775–85; Greek boustrophēdón literally, like ox-turning (in plowing), equivalent to bou- (stem of boûs) ox + -strophē- (see strophe) + -don adv. suffix Examples from the Web for boustrophedon Historical Examples of boustrophedon
It is written in the most ancient Greek characters, and in the Boustrophedon manner.
L. W. Yaggy
The words of the text are ranged in squares in such a manner as to be read either vertically or boustrophedon.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 6
Various
British Dictionary definitions for boustrophedon boustrophedon adjective
- having alternate lines written from right to left and from left to right
Word Origin for boustrophedon C17: from Greek, literally: turning as in ploughing with oxen, from bous ox + -strophēdon from strephein to turn; see strophe Word Origin and History for boustrophedon n.
1783, ancient form of writing with lines alternately written left-to-right and right-to-left, from Greek, literally “turning as an ox in plowing,” from bous “ox” (see cow (n.)) + strephein “to turn” (see strophe).