EPITHET
EPITHET.
1. An expression added to a NAME as a characterizing description, before it in glorious Devon, after it in Richard Crookback, with a definite article in William the Conqueror, Scotland the Brave.
2. Also Homeric epithet, poetic epithet. A formulaic phrase containing an adjective and a noun, common in epic poetry: grey-eyed Athene, rosy-fingered dawn, the wine-dark sea.
3. A word or phrase that substitutes for another: man's best friend for dog, the water of life for whisky.
4. A word or phrase used to abuse and dismiss: bastard, bugger, shit, especially when used directly (You shit!, You son of a bitch!) or as a description (The silly old cow!).
5. Such a phrase as that idiot of a lawyer and a devil of a doctor.
6. An adjective or other descriptive word. See ANTONOMASIA, SWEARING.
1. An expression added to a NAME as a characterizing description, before it in glorious Devon, after it in Richard Crookback, with a definite article in William the Conqueror, Scotland the Brave.
2. Also Homeric epithet, poetic epithet. A formulaic phrase containing an adjective and a noun, common in epic poetry: grey-eyed Athene, rosy-fingered dawn, the wine-dark sea.
3. A word or phrase that substitutes for another: man's best friend for dog, the water of life for whisky.
4. A word or phrase used to abuse and dismiss: bastard, bugger, shit, especially when used directly (You shit!, You son of a bitch!) or as a description (The silly old cow!).
5. Such a phrase as that idiot of a lawyer and a devil of a doctor.
6. An adjective or other descriptive word. See ANTONOMASIA, SWEARING.
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EPITHET