Phleg´rian Size, gigantic. Phlegra, or the Phlegræ´an plain, in Macedon, is where the giants attacked the gods, and were defeated by Hercŭlés. Drayton makes the diphthong æ a short i:
Whose only love surprised those of the Phlegrian size,
The Titanois, that once against high heaven durst rise.
Polyolbion, vi. (1612).
Phobbs. Captain and Mrs. Phobbs, with Mrs. Major Phobbs, a widow, sister-in-law to the captain, in Lend Me Five Shillings, by J. M. Morton.
Pho´cion, husband of Euphra´sia, “the Grecian daughter.”—A. Murphy, The Grecian Daughter (1772).
Pho´cyas, general of the Syrian army in the siege of Damascus. Phocyas was in love with Eudo´cia, daughter of Eu´menês, the governor, but when he asked the governor’s consent, Eumenês sternly refused to give it. After gaining several battles, Phocyas fell into the hands of the Arabs, and consented to join their army to revenge himself on Eumenês. The Arabs triumphed, and Eudocia was taken captive, but she refused to wed a traitor. Ultimately, Phocyas died, and Eudocia entered a convent.—John Hughes, Siege of Damascus (1720).
Phœbe, village girl seduced and afterward married by Barry Crittenden. He takes her to the cottage allotted him by his father, and introduces her to his mother and sisters. She tries diligently to adapt herself to her new sphere until she becomes jealous of a woman whom she imagines Barry once fancied, and now loves. Phœbe flees secretly to her mother’s cottage, taking her child with her, and refuses to return to her husband, until accident reveals the causelessness of her jealousy.—Miriam Coles Harris, Phœbe (1884).
Phœbus, the sun-god. Phœbe (2 syl.), the moon-goddess.—Greek Mythology.
Phœbus’s Son. Pha´ĕton obtained permission of his father to drive the sun-car for one day, but, unable to guide the horses, they left their usual track, the car was overturned, and both heaven and earth were threatened with destruction. Jupiter struck Phaeton with his thunderbolt, and he fell headlong into the Po.
... like Phœbus fayrest childe,
That did presume his father’s fiery wayne,
And flaming mouths of steeds unwonted wilde,
Thro’ highest heaven with weaker hand to rayne; ...
He leaves the welkin way most beaten playne,
And, wrapt with whirling wheels, inflamed the skyen
With fire not made to burne, but fayrely for to shyne.
Spenser, Faëry Queen, i. 4, 10 (1590).
Phœbus. Gaston de Foix was so called, from his great beauty (1488-1512).