a collection of common-places in alphabetical order, for the use of orators, preachers, &c. The word is formed from the Greek πολύς much, and ανθος flower; and has much the same meaning with anthology or florilege. The first author of the polyanthea was Dominic Nanni de Mirabello, whose labour has been improved by Barth. Amantius, and Franc. Torrus; and since these, by Jos. Langius, under the title of Polyanthea nova, 1613.