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n. 1. a. A work consisting of two painted or carved panels that are hinged together. b. A set of two related works, as in photography, painting, or literature. 2. An ancient writing tablet having two leaves hinged together. 3. A list of names, originally contained on such a tablet, of living and dead Christians for whom special prayers are made during the liturgy in many eastern and western churches. [Late Latin diptycha, from Greek diptukha, from neuter pl. of diptukhos, folded double : di-, two; see DI-1 + ptukhē, fold (from ptussein, ptukh-, to fold).]  (click for a larger image) diptychportraits of René of Anjou (1409-1480) and his second wife, Jeanne of Laval (1433- 1498), by Nicolas Froment (1435?-1486) |
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