equivoque

American  

[ek-wuh-vohk, ee-kwuh-] / ˈɛk wəˌvoʊk, ˈi kwə- /

Or equivoke

noun

1. an equivocal term; an ambiguous expression.

2. a play on words; pun.

3. double meaning; ambiguity.

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equivoque British  

/ ˈɛkwɪˌvəʊk /

noun

1. a play on words; pun

2. an ambiguous phrase or expression

3. double meaning; ambiguity

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Etymology

Origin of equivoque

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English equivoc (adjective); see equivocal

Example Sentences

Certain it was that Knight's disappointment at finding himself second or third in the field, at Elfride's momentary equivoque, and at her reluctance to be candid, brought him to the verge of cynicism.

From A Pair of Blue Eyes by Hardy, Thomas

Without an equivoque, I should look with a very ominous dissatisfaction on the "Elysian fields" that lie beyond.

From Pencillings by the Way Written During Some Years of Residence and Travel in Europe by Willis, N. Parker

My dear mother's countenance fell, and I could hardly pursue my wicked equivoque any further.

From Satanstoe by Cooper, James Fenimore

Angioletto took the equivoque with dignity, "I have perfect confidence in my wife, my lord Duke."

From Little Novels of Italy by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

At the outset we must come to an understanding as to this word "image," and endeavour to free the word "vision" from all equivoque.

From The Principles of Success in Literature by Lewes, George Henry