equivoque

or eq·ui·voke

[ ek-wuh-vohk, ee-kwuh- ]

noun

1. an equivocal term; an ambiguous expression.
2. a play on words; pun.
3. double meaning; ambiguity.

equivoque

/ ˈɛkwɪˌvəʊk /

noun

1. a play on words; pun
2. an ambiguous phrase or expression
3. double meaning; ambiguity

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivoque¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English equivoc (adjective); equivocal

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivoque¹

C14: equivoc equivocal

Example Sentences

Every thing, in a word, is tolerated which can in any way be passed into an equivoque.

From Project Gutenberg

It is easy to see how the Elizabethan tendency to word-quibble and equivoque would help to give currency to the Latin form.

From Project Gutenberg

I took the equivoque, which was incomprehensible to Harcourt: I hardly need say, that the latter and I were on the best terms.

From Project Gutenberg

Not that the Law of Sufficient Reason is quite free from equivoque.

From Project Gutenberg

Charming oscillation, fascinating motion, most graceful equivoque!

From Project Gutenberg