byword

byword
/buy"werrd'/, n.
1. a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.
2. a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.
3. an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.: His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.
4. an epithet, often of scorn.
[bef. 1050; ME biworde, OE biwyrde. See BY (adj.), WORD]
Syn. 1. slogan, motto. 2. maxim, apothegm, aphorism, saw, adage.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Byword — By word , n. [AS. b[ i]word; b[ i], E. by + word.] 1. A common saying; a proverb; a saying that has a general currency. [1913 Webster] I knew a wise man that had it for a byword. Bacon. [1913 Webster] 2. The object of a contemptuous saying. [1913 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • byword — index call (title), catchword, cognomen, maxim, phrase Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • byword — O.E. biword proverb, formed after L. proverbium, or Gk. para bole …   Etymology dictionary

  • byword — *catchword, shibboleth, slogan Analogous words: proverb, *saying, saw, motto: *abuse, invective: legend, caption (see INSCRIPTION) …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • byword — [n] saying adage, aphorism, apophthegm, axiom, catchphrase, catchword, dictum, epithet, gnome, gnomic saying, handle, maxim, motto, nickname, precept, proverb, saw, shibboleth, slogan, standing joke; concept 275 …   New thesaurus

  • byword — ► NOUN 1) a notable example or embodiment of something. 2) a proverb or saying …   English terms dictionary

  • byword — [bī′wʉrd΄] n. [ME & OE biword < bi (see BY) + WORD: formed after L proverbium ( pro + verbum), PROVERB] 1. a familiar saying; proverb 2. a person or thing proverbial for some quality 3. an object of scorn or ridicule …   English World dictionary

  • byword — [[t]ba͟ɪwɜː(r)d[/t]] bywords 1) N COUNT: N for n Someone or something that is a byword for a particular quality is well known for having that quality. ...a region that had become a byword for violence and degeneracy. ...the Rolls Royce brand name …   English dictionary

  • byword — by|word [ˈbaıwə:d US wə:rd] n 1.) be a byword for sth to be so well known for a particular quality that your name is used to represent that quality ▪ His name has become a byword for honesty in the community. 2.) [singular] a word, phrase, or… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • byword — by|word [ baı,wɜrd ] noun singular byword for if someone or something is a byword for a particular quality, they have a strong reputation for that quality: The city is a byword for intolerance …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • byword — UK [ˈbaɪˌwɜː(r)d] / US [ˈbaɪˌwɜrd] noun [singular] if someone or something is a byword for a particular quality, they have a strong reputation for that quality byword for: The city is a byword for intolerance …   English dictionary

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