Hecyra

• The Stepmother, the title of a comedy of Terence.

(Ἑκυρά). “The Mother-in-Law.” A comedy of Terence, based upon a Greek original of authorship now unknown. It has little or no plot, and seems to be an attempt at a new style of dramatic writing. Hence it was unpopular with Roman audiences, and did not get a successful hearing until B.C. 160, on its third production, five years after it was first put on the stage. Separate editions by Spengel (Berlin, 1879), Sloman (London, 1886), and Benoist and Psichari, 2d ed. (Paris, 1887). See Terentius.