[pærəˈbæsɪs]

Definitions

1. noun

A formal address or speech made by an Athenian citizen to the Assembly, in which he criticized the government or officials.

“In ancient Athens, parabasis was an important tool for citizens to hold their leaders accountable.”

2. noun

A digression or aside in a speech or text, where the speaker or writer comments on a related topic.

“The parabasis in the oration provided a valuable insight into the author’s thoughts on the subject.”