byname

or by-name

[ bahy-neym ]

noun

1. a secondary name; cognomen; surname.
2. a nickname.

Word History and Origins

Origin of byname¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; by- ( def ) + name ( def )

Example Sentences

The Resurrection Man—to use a byname of the period—was not to be deterred by any of the sanctities of customary piety.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not so; and the byname by which I went behind my back confirmed it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• epithet
• moniker
• sobriquet
• style
• tag