ignis fatuus
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 ignis fatuus is almost extinct; so much so that Jack-o’-the-Lantern has died out of the village folklore.
From Wild Life in a Southern County by Jefferies, Richard
It is a proteus that changes its shape before one can describe it —an ignis fatuus, that changes its place before one can get his hand on it.
From Calvinistic Controversy Embracing a Sermon on Predestination and Election and Several Numbers, Formally Published in the Christian Advocate and Journal. by Fisk, Wilbur
Now, let the reader examine and study these definitions of Liberty by Paley, Montesquieu and Blackstone, and he will see that they are in pursuit of an ignis fatuus that eludes their grasp.
From Cannibals all! or, Slaves without masters by Fitzhugh, George
Blinded by his ill-starred idolatry, he had abandoned even the dignity of concealing it; and followed his ignis fatuus about—constantly forcing his company upon her in a manner that rendered him ridiculous.
From The Finger of Fate A Romance by Reid, Mayne
How malignantly must this strange ignis fatuus, thought he, dance into the nightly conflict of all these clashing relations!
From Titan: A Romance Vol. II (of 2) by Jean Paul
