byword
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English byworde (“proverb”), from Old English bīword, bīwyrde (“proverb, household word", also "adverb”), from bī- (“by-”) + word (“word”); probably a translation of Latin proverbium. Compare also Old High German pīwurti (“proverb”), Old English bīspel (“proverb, example”), bīcwide (“byword, proverb, tale, fable”). More at byspel.
[edit] Noun
byword (plural bywords)
- a proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase
- a person who, or a thing that represents something with specified characteristics, byspel
- an object of notoriety or interest
- a nickname or epithet
- (by extension) an object of scorn or derision
[edit] Translations
a person who, represents something
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