byword

[ bahy-wurd ]
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noun
  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.

  1. an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.: His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.

  2. an epithet, often of scorn.

Origin of byword

1
before 1050; Middle English biworde,Old English biwyrde.See by (adj.), word

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British Dictionary definitions for byword

byword

/ (ˈbaɪˌwɜːd) /


noun
  1. a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something: their name is a byword for good service

  2. an object of scorn or derision

  1. a common saying; proverb

Origin of byword

1
Old English bīwyrde; see by, word; compare Old High German pīwurti, from Latin prōverbium proverb

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