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avant la lettre

An example of a term before the term was coined. Describing a term used anachronistically.

Etymology:

  • Borrowed from French avant la lettre.
  • From a caption added to an engraving to describe the drawing.
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Suffragettes were feminists avant la lettre.

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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'avant la lettre':

avant la lettreBefore the term was coined. The term being a word or phrase used just previously in an anachronistic way.
avant la lettrebefore lettering, before letters; proof engraving, proof before letters
avant la lettreavant la lettre
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