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

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

The equivoque is in the use of the word 'dollar.'

From Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 1 by Randolph, Thomas Jefferson

A tide is always said to run,—but I thought of the tide without attending to the equivoque, which must be altered.

From Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume V (of 10) by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)

Aberdonian pronunciation produced on one occasion a curious equivoque between the minister and a mother of a family with whom he was conversing in a pastoral way.

From Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character by Ramsay, Edward Bannerman

Lockhart calls them “a style of equivoque which could never seriously be misunderstood.”

From The Condition of Catholics Under James I. by Gerard, John