%epigram%

n. [ L. epigramma, fr. Gr. &unr_; inscription, epigram, fr. &unr_; to write upon, 'epi` upon + &unr_; to write: cf. F. épigramme. See Graphic. ] 1. A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Epigrams were originally inscription on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The style of the epigram. [ 1913 Webster ]

Antithesis, i. e., bilateral stroke, is the soul of epigram in its later and technical signification. B. Cracroft.