An*tis"tro*phe (#), n. [L., fr. Gr. , fr. to turn to the opposite side; against + to turn. See Strophe.]
In Greek choruses and dances, the returning of the chorus, exactly answering to a previous strophe or movement from right to left. Hence: The lines of this part of the choral song.
It was customary, on some occasions, to dance round the altars whilst they sang the sacred hymns, which consisted of three stanzas or parts; the first of which, called strophe, was sung in turning from east to west; the other, named antistrophe, in returning from west to east; then they stood before the altar, and sang the epode, which was the last part of the song.
2. Rhet. (a)
The repetition of words in an inverse order; as, the master of the servant and the servant of the master.
The retort or turning of an adversary's plea against him.
© Webster 1913.