eclogue
UK: /ˈɛklɒɡ/ | US: /ˈɛklɔɡ/
n. a short pastoral poem, typically in the form of a dialogue between shepherds
n. a literary work imitating the style of classical pastoral poetry
The word eclogue originates from the Latin ecloga, borrowed from Greek eklogē (selection), derived from eklegein (to pick out). Over time, it narrowed in meaning to refer specifically to selected pastoral poems, particularly those by Virgil. The morphemes ec- (out) and -logue (speech) reflect the idea of "selected discourse" or refined poetic dialogue.
Virgil's Eclogues are foundational works of pastoral literature.
The poet composed an eclogue depicting shepherds debating love under oak trees.
Renaissance writers often imitated the eclogue form to explore rural idealism.
This modern eclogue blends classical themes with contemporary ecological concerns.
Critics praised the eclogue for its lyrical dialogue and bucolic imagery.