byword

Meaning

Noun

• A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.
• A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group.
• Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.
• An object of notoriety or contempt, scorn or derision.
• A nickname or epithet.

Origin

• From Middle English byword, byworde, from Old English bīword, bīwyrde, from Proto-Germanic *bīwurdiją, equivalent to by- + word. Compare Latin proverbium, which byword may possibly be a translation of. Cognate with Old High German pīwurti ("proverb"). Compare also Old English bīspel ("proverb, example"), bīcwide, Dutch bijwoord ("adverb").