[ad. Gr. εὐφημισμός, f. εὐφημίζειν to speak fair, f. εὔφημος: see prec.]
1. Rhet. That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favorable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.
1656–81. Blount, Glossogr., Euphemism, a good or favourable interpretation of a bad word.
1678–96. in Phillips.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
1793. Beattie, Moral Sc., § 866. Akin to it [Litotes] is Euphemism.
1879. M. D. Conway, Demonol., I. III. vi. 348. Serpent-worship in India was developed by euphemism.
2. An instance of this figure; a less distasteful word or phrase used as a substitute for something harsher or more offensive.
1793. Beattie, Moral Sc., § 866. The euphemism [‘he fell asleep’] partakes of the nature of metaphor.
1860. Froude, Hist. Eng., VI. 27, foot-n. A shorn crown … a euphemism for decapitation.
1865. Tylor, Early Hist. Man., vi. 143. The euphemism of calling the Furies the Eumenides.
1877. E. Coues, Fur Anim., vii. 216. The Skunk yields a handsome fur, lately become fashionable, under the euphemism of ‘Alaska Sable.’
† 3. (See quot.) Obs.–0
1678–96. Phillips, Euphemism, a setting forth any ones good fame.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
1828. in Webster.
