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byword Definition

by·word (-wʉrd′)

noun

  1. a familiar saying; proverb
  2. a person or thing proverbial for some quality
  3. an object of scorn or ridicule
  4. a favorite or pet word or phrase

Etymology: ME & OE biword < bi (see by) + word: formed after L proverbium (pro + verbum), proverb

byword Synonyms

byword

n.

standing joke, axiom, gnomic saying, catchword; see motto, proverb.

byword Usage Examples

Preposition: among

  • nation: Scotland too, till something better come, must have a Poor-law, if Scotland is not to be a byword among the nations.

Converse of object

  • become: The name became a byword for something cobbled together, botched together, tied together with string.
  • remain: Croesus, a king so rich that he remains a byword for wealth to this day, is overthrown by Cyrus four years later.

Preposition: for

  • respect: Nick Pearce disagrees Multiculturalism was once a byword for respect, equal rights and the celebration of diversity.
  • excellence: The Club now ha sthe third largest polo playing membership in the country and has become a byword for genuine low goal polo excellence.
  • corruption: The fortunes of Sir Robert Cecil, a byword for political corruption at the time, exposed Elizabeth's inability to control government patronage.
  • excess: Other emperors, such as Nero and Caligula, were famed for their decadence and became a byword for excess and cruelty.
  • luxury: Gleneagles is a byword for unashamed luxury, unrivaled golf and leisure facilities and legendary hospitality.
  • comfort: Luxury Cruises - Cunard Line Since 1840 Cunard has become a byword for comfort, style, luxury, and the ultimate travel experience.
byword Quotes

  But if ye shall at all turn from following me† Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and thishouse, which Ihavehallowed formy name, will Icast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people.

—Bible (Old Testament)

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