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ignis fatuus Definition

ig·nis fatu·us (ig′nis fac̸h′o̵̅o̅ əs)

noun pl. ig′·nes fat′ui′ig′nēz fac̸h′o̵̅o̅ ī′

  1. jack-o'-lantern (sense )
  2. a deceptive hope, goal, or influence; delusion

Etymology: ML < L ignis, a fire + fatuus, foolish

ignis fatuus Quotes

Reason, an ignis fatuus in the mind, Which leaving light of nature, sense behind, Pathless and dangerous wandering ways it takes, Through error's fenny bogs and thorny brakes; Whilst the misguided follower climbs, with pain, Mountains of whimsy heaped in his own brain.

—Rochester,JohnWilmot, 2nd Earl of

Browse dictionary entries near ignis fatuus

  1. ‹ ignescent
  2. ‹ igneous
  3. ‹ Ignatius (of) Loyola
  4. ‹ Ignatius
  5. ‹ ign
  6. ‹ igloo
  7. ‹ IGF
  8. ‹ Igdrasil
  9. ‹ Igbo
  10. ‹ IG
  1. ignite ›
  2. ignition ›
  3. ignitron ›
  4. ignoble ›
  5. ignominious ›
  6. ignominy ›
  7. ignoramus ›
  8. ignorance ›
  9. ignorant ›
  10. ignorantia juris non excusat ›