Elgin marbles
[ el-gin, -jin ]
/ ˈɛl gɪn, -dʒɪn /
plural noun
a group of Greek sculptures of the 5th century b.c., originally on the Parthenon in Athens, and supposedly sculptured under the direction of Phidias: presently in the British Museum in London.
Origin of Elgin marbles
after Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of
Elgin (1766–1841), who arranged for their removal from Athens
British Dictionary definitions for elgin marbles
Elgin marbles
pl n
a group of 5th-century bc Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), and now at the British Museum