R. S. P. Beekes has suggested the meaning "who heals illnesses through magic", from *παῖϝα/*παϝία "blow", related to παίω "beat" (from Proto-Indo-European *ph2u-ie/o-) or παύω "withhold" (of uncertain etymology).
In an almost identical line (X.391) that suggests a formulaic expression, Achilles tells the Myrmidons to sing the paean after the death of Hector.
[6] Previously, L. R. Farnell[7] had referred to the ancient association between the healing craft and the singing of spells, but found it impossible to decide which was the original sense.
The Greek poet Aeschylus who took part in the Battle of Salamis, commented on the power of the paean over enemies (in this case the Persians): All the barbarians felt fear because they had been deprived of what they expected.
The Greeks were singing the stately paean at that time not for flight, but because they were hastening into battle and were stout of heart.
In this manner the Rhodians celebrated Ptolemy I of Egypt, the Samians Lysander of Sparta, the Athenians Demetrius, the Delphians Craterus of Macedon.
After being captured by North Korea in 1968, the commander of USS Pueblo, Lloyd M. Bucher, used "paean" (read 'pee on', i.e. urinate on) as a code that his confession was forced.
Under threat of death, Bucher agreed to "confess to his and the crew's transgression" in his own hand, and included the phrase "We paean the DPRK [North Korea].