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

Foible, chagrin, grimace, embarrasse, double entendre, equivoque, ecclaircissement, suittè, beveue, façon, penchant, coup d'etourdy, and ridicule.

From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 04 by Scott, Walter, Sir

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)

Angioletto took the equivoque with dignity, "I have perfect confidence in my wife, my lord Duke."

From Little Novels of Italy by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

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

From The New Hudson Shakespeare: Julius Cæsar by Black, Ebenezer Charlton

He never declared what he knew, though she could not but guess it; did not betray her to the others; seemed to enjoy the equivoque, content to wait.

From The Forest Lovers by Hewlett, Maurice Henry