conceit
/kənˈsiːt/ noun B2- The faculty of conceiving ideas; mental faculty; apprehension. · a man of quick conceit
- Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; lively fancy.
- A novel or fanciful idea; a whim.
- An ingenious expression or metaphorical idea, especially in extended form or used as a literary or rhetorical device.
- Overly high self-esteem; vain pride; hubris.
- Design; pattern.
Plural conceits
From the library
An old sly Fox, seeing this, said, “May I never make myself so ridiculous as you do in your pride and self-conceit; for even though you have the size of a lion among wolves, in a herd of lions you are definitely a wolf.”
Here was an opportunity of taking the conceit out of him.
And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.”
The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity.
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