Browse dictionary
Showing 1-20 of 119 results in 119 entries
1. Aaron's rod, n. View full entry 1631
...In similative and allusive use: a powerful force which devours or overwhelms everything around it....
2. Achates, n. View full entry 1582
...allusively. A person likened to Achates, esp. a loyal friend or companion. Cf. fidus Achates...
3. Aganippe, n. View full entry a1586
...Used allusively to denote the source of poetic inspiration, or a person's poetic power, voice, or method. Also attrib., as Aganippe spring, Aganippe well, etc....
4. alexander, v.1 View full entry 1666
...trans. Used allusively with reference to the harsh sentences customarily imposed by Judge Alexander: to hang (a person)....
5. Babbitt, n.2 View full entry 1921
...A person likened to the character George Babbitt, esp. a materialistic, complacent businessman who conforms unthinkingly to the views and standards of his social set. Usu. in pl....
6. Babel, n. View full entry a1529
...A confused or discordant medley of sounds, esp. of voices; a hubbub, a din. Perh. influenced by babble2 in later use....
7. basket, n. View full entry a1300
...A vessel of wickerwork, made of plaited osiers, cane, rushes, bast, or other materials....
8. big, adj. and adv. View full entry c1300
...Of a person or animal: strong, sturdy, mighty; stout-hearted, courageous. Cf. rich1. Obs....
9. Big Mac, n. View full entry 1970
...A proprietary name for: the largest in a range of hamburgers sold by McDonald's fast-food outlets; (hence allusively) the biggest or best of a number of related things....
10. Boswell, n. View full entry 1858
...Used allusively for: a constant companion or attendant who witnesses and records what a person does....
11. Brigadoon, n. View full entry 1968
...In allusive use. A place, person, or phenomenon likened in some way to Brigadoon, esp. on account of its mythical or idealized nature, its (romanticized) Scottishness, or its rare, fleeting...
12. Bunbury, n. View full entry 1899
...An imaginary person used as a fictitious excuse for visiting a place or avoiding obligations (see quot. 1899). Hence used allusively in various formations (see quots.)....
13. Carey Street, n. View full entry 1922
...Used allusively to indicate a state of bankruptcy....
14. Carnaby Street, n. View full entry 1965
...Used allusively to refer to fashionable clothing designed for young people. Also ellipt. as Carnaby....
15. Casanova, n. View full entry 1928
...Used allusively of a man whose amorous activities resemble those of Casanova....
16. Columbus, n. View full entry 1593
...Used allusively for an explorer or discoverer....
17. Comstock, n. View full entry 1866
...In full, Comstock lode: a very rich lode of silver and gold discovered in Nevada in 1859; hence, allusively, a rich mine or ‘find’....
18. Crichton, n. View full entry 1807
...allusively. More fully Admirable Crichton. A person who excels in all kinds of studies and pursuits; (in later use esp.) a person of an inferior social status...
19. Crœsus, n. View full entry 1390
...Used allusively in phrases, as Crœsus' wealth, as rich as Crœsus, and hence typically for ‘a very rich person’....
20. Dalek, n. View full entry 1963
...A type of robot appearing in ‘Dr. Who’, a B.B.C. Television science-fiction programme; hence used allusively. Also attrib. and Comb....
