- thespian (adj.)
- 1670s, "of or pertaining to tragedy or dramatic acting," from Greek Thespis, semi-legendary 6c. B.C.E. poet of Icaria in Attica, often called the Father of Greek Tragedy. The literal meaning of the name is "inspired by the gods."
- thespian (n.)
- "an actor," 1827, from thespian (adj.). Short form thesp is attested from 1962.