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byword definition

by·word (-wʉrd′)

noun

  1. a familiar saying; proverb
  2. a person or thing proverbial for some quality
  3. an object of scorn or ridicule
  4. a favorite or pet word or phrase

Etymology: ME & OE biword < bi (see by) + word: formed after L proverbium (pro + verbum), proverb

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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