Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They were like ignes fatui, flashing up from dank caverns and dying out while I looked upon them.

From Beulah by Evans, Augusta J. (Augusta Jane)

Many persons, deceived and blinded by these ignes fatui, have been run over by coaches, carts, &c., people stumbling more, even under these very lamps, than in the dark.

From Second Thoughts are Best: Or a Further Improvement of a Late Scheme to Prevent Street Robberies by Defoe, Daniel

The virtuous young man defending a virtuous mother against a number of powerful enemies is one of the ignes fatui of literature. 

From The Note-Books of Samuel Butler by Butler, Samuel

Marsyas sensed the heart-beat of the great invisible city under the ignes fatui swung in the purple night.

From Saul of Tarsus A Tale of the Early Christians by Miller, Elizabeth

He is going to begin a large Madona and child from Mrs. H. and baby, I fear he goes astray after ignes fatui.

From The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 5 The Letters of Charles and Mary Lamb, 1796-1820 by Lucas, E. V. (Edward Verrall)