from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Antistrophe \An*tis"tro*phe\, n. [L., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to turn
to the opposite side; 'anti` against + ? to turn. See
{Strophe}.]
1. 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.
[1913 Webster]
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. --Abp. Potter.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Rhet.)
(a) The repetition of words in an inverse order; as, the
master of the servant and the servant of the master.
(b) The retort or turning of an adversary's plea against
him.
[1913 Webster]