‖ polyptoton Rhet.
(pɒlɪpˈtəʊtɒn)
[L., a. Gr. πολύπτωτον adj. neut.: see prec.]
A rhetorical figure consisting in the repetition of a word in different cases or inflexions in the same sentence.
| 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretary ii. (1625) 86 Polyptoton or Traductio, when one word is often repeated by variety of cases. 1588 Fraunce Lawiers Log. 50 b. 1654 Trapp Comm. Hosea x. 1 A dainty agnomination, and a double polyptôton. a 1679 Hobbes Rhet. iv. vi. (1681) 151 [Repetition of sounds] unlike:..a small changing of the end or case, as Polyptoton. |