logomachy
Americannoun
PLURAL
logomachies-
a dispute about or concerning words.
-
an argument or debate marked by the reckless or incorrect use of words; meaningless battle of words.
-
a game played with cards, each bearing one letter, with which words are formed.
noun
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Other Word Forms
- logomach noun
- logomachic adjective
- logomachical adjective
- logomachist noun
Etymology
Origin of logomachy
First recorded in 1560–70; from Greek logomachía; logo-, -machy
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.
His florid vocabulary — he has casually dropped words like logomachy — sounds official without actually saying much.
From New York Times
Sweeping the subject-matter clear of all logomachies, he lets the light of common day fall upon it.
From Project Gutenberg
But a greater champion than William was needed to wipe away what seems to the world the cobwebs of mediæval logomachy.
From Project Gutenberg
Gradually, from their pressure upon his spirit, he grew conscious of the outcome—they would not be content with logomachies; the end might be death.
From Project Gutenberg
The debate thus turns on a question of terminology—that is to say, on a vain and barren logomachy.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.