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.
Natural phenomena, as ignis fatuus, account for some; the mist-mirage explains others.
From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Scott, Daniel
Fallen trees were magnified into guns and mortars; variegated bushes into soldiers; the light between the trees into flags; and the midnight ignis fatuus, on its nocturnal rambles, into torches and lights of the enemy.
From Memoirs of the Extraordinary Military Career of John Shipp Late a Lieut. in His Majesty's 87th Regiment by Shipp, John
"If we pursue the ignis fatuus of secular education in a pagan land, destitute of other light," quoting Sir Herbert again, "then we English will lose India without those Indians gaining any future."
From Religion and the War by Various
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
Still the ignis fatuus of a shorter route to India tantalized the early navigators.
From The Greater Republic A History of the United States by Morris, Charles
