[Gr. λεξιφάνης phrase-monger (the title of one of Lucian’s dialogues), f. λέξι-ς word, phrase + φαν-, φαίνειν to show.] One who uses bombastic phraseology. Hence Lexiphanic a., Lexiphanicism.
1767. A. Campbell, Lexiph., Ded. p. vii. I generally found them [modern writings] more or less Lexiphanick in proportion to the share of fame and reputation their several authors enjoyed. Ibid., Ded. p. xvii. You ought not to suffer those Lexiphaneses, those Shiners, those Dealers in hard words, [etc.]. Ibid., 128–9. Come, Doctor, let us have no more of your medical terms and solemnity…. ’Tis no better than downright Lexiphanicism, what both of us so heartily despise.
1841. D’Israeli, Amen. Lit. (1867), 140. The encumbering Lexiphanicisms of the ponderous numerosity of Johnson.
1887. Sat. Rev., 5 Nov., 624/1. Its Lexiphanic contortions of the tongue.
