byword

UK /ˈbaɪ.wə(ɹ)d/ US /ˈbaɪ.wɚd/
noun 5

Definitions

noun

1

A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

2

A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group.

3

Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.

Illustrious unfortunates attract a wider sympathy, not because their griefs are more intense, but because, being set on lofty pedestals, they the better serve mankind as instances and bywords of calamity.

4

An object of notoriety or contempt, scorn or derision.

He hath made me also a byword of the people […]

"I know you and Harry are inseparable. Surely for that reason, if for none other, you should not have made his sister's name a by-word."

5

A nickname or epithet.

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