catachresis

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.

"The fury of his fancy often transported him beyond the bounds of judgment, either in coining of new words and phrases, or racking words which were in use, into the violence of catachresis."

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 57, No. 352, February 1845 by Various

As to 'twinn'd stones'—may it not be a bold catachresis for muscles, cockles, and other empty shells with hinges, which are truly twinned?

From Literary Remains, Volume 2 by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

‘Liquorish,’ by catachresis for lickerish = tempting to the appetite, causing one to lick one’s lips.

From Milton's Comus by Bell, William

As to “twinn'd stones”—may it not be a bold catachresis for muscles, cockles, and other empty shells with hinges, which are truly twinned?

From Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least, of both the words, fortune and fools.

From Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit and Some Miscellaneous Pieces by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor