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τὸ περιπεταστὸν κἀπιμανδαλωτόν.
The adjectives περιπεταστὸν and ἐπιμανδαλωτόν are hapax legomena in the Aristophanic corpus (and indeed in extant Greek literature), coined here for the comic effect of describing a 'fence' (peripetasma) that is 'thrown over' (peripetastón) and 'manually bound' (epimandalōtón). The first term is a rare verbal adjective derived from περιπίπτω, here likely implying a makeshift or flimsy structure, while the second, from the obscure verb μανδαλόω (to bind with a manes or strap), underscores the improvisational nature of the stage property being mocked. Their juxtaposition exemplifies Aristophanes' technique of creating compound adjectives from verbal stems to generate grotesque or absurd imagery, a device particularly common in his descriptions of theatrical props or rustic objects.
Acharnians. Aristophanes. . 2026-09-08.