Encomiasticus

Encomiasticus is a Latin term used to describe a work or passage that praises a person, institution, or deity. Etymologically, it derives from the Latin encomium, meaning praise, which itself comes from the Greek enkōmion, literally a “song of praise.” In classical rhetoric, an encomiasticus piece is a form of encomium or eulogy, often employed to honor public figures or benefactors, though in practice the boundaries with other praise genres such as panegyric can be fluid.

The genre encompasses speeches, inscriptions, hymns, and letters that extol virtues, achievements, lineage, or benefactions. Typical content highlights moral character, public service, loyalty, and notable deeds, using rhetorical devices like enumeration, amplification, metaphor, and strategic ordering of evidence. Common structural elements may include an introduction that establishes goodwill, a narration of deeds, a demonstration of virtuous qualities, and a closing commendation or exhortation.

Historically, encomiastic writing appears in ancient Greek and Roman literature and continued into late antiquity and medieval Latin writing. It served multiple functions, including political theater, memorialization, and religious or ceremonial propaganda, often aimed at legitimizing authority, celebrating patrons, or venerating saints and martyrs.

In modern usage, encomiasticus remains a scholarly label for praise-oriented rhetoric and its study. The related English term encomium denotes a formal eulogy, and related genres include eulogy and panegyric.

See also: Encomium, Eulogy, Panegyric, Rhetoric.