equivoque

American  

[ek-wuh-vohk, ee-kwuh-] / ˈɛk wəˌvoʊk, ˈi kwə- /

Or equivoke

noun

1. an equivocal term; an ambiguous expression.

2. a play on words; pun.

3. double meaning; ambiguity.

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equivoque British  

/ ˈɛkwɪˌvəʊk /

noun

1. a play on words; pun

2. an ambiguous phrase or expression

3. double meaning; ambiguity

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Etymology

Origin of equivoque

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

Example Sentences

Nor is the equivoque remedied by defining representation as a psychic product of secondary order in relation to sensation, which should occupy the first place.

From Aesthetic as Science of Expression and General Linguistic by Croce, Benedetto

The other lost his temper at this equivoque, and threatened him: 'You shall see in a minute what a man can do.'

From Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 03 by Fowler, F. G. (Francis George)

The meaning now is, 'I will end my task faithfully, with an equivoque on 'I will end La Busse, or the play containing him as a character, faithfully.'

From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 3 by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)

One of the instances of the evils arising from the equivoque between faith and intellectual satisfaction or insight.

From Coleridge's Literary Remains, Volume 4. by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

This is to be regretted—for it is a mischievous equivoque, to make 'good' a synonyme of 'pleasant,' or even the genus of which pleasure is a species.

From Coleridge's Literary Remains, Volume 4. by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor