‖ double entendre
(dubl ɑ̃tɑ̃ːdr)
[rare obs. F. = the usual double entente, double understanding, ambiguity; (an example, of 1688, is given by Littré in Suppl.) Cf. also double entendement in double a. 2 quot. 1548.]
A double meaning; a word or phrase having a double sense, esp. as used to convey an indelicate meaning.
| 1673 Dryden Marr. à la Mode iii. i. 36 Foible, Chagrin, Grimace, Embarrasse, Double entendre, Equivoque. 1678 Duchess of Cleveland in Miss Berry Eng. & France (1834) I. i. 92 The ambassador showed a letter, which he pretended one part of it was a double entendre. 1694 Dryden Love Triumph. Prol., No double-entendres, which you sparks allow, To make the ladies look—they know not how. 1709 Brit. Apollo II. No. 11. 3/2 A double Entendre By th' word is express'd. 1841 J. T. J. Hewlett Parish Clerk I. 159 The jokes and the double entendres that were flying about. |