The mysterie of rhetorique unveil'd wherein above 130 the tropes and figures are severally derived from the Greek into English : together with lively definitions and variety of Latin, English, scriptural, examples, pertinent to each of them apart. Conducing very much to the right understanding of the sense of the letter of the scripture, (the want whereof occasions many dangerous errors this day). Eminently delightful and profitable for young scholars, and others of all sorts, enabling them to discern and imitate the elegancy in any author they read, &c. / by John Smith.

MEtonymia, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Transnominatio, a change of names, or the putting of one name for another; derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [me∣tonomazo] transnomino, to change one name for another: or from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which in composition signifies change, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [onoma] Aeolice pro 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [onoma] nomen, a name.

A Metonymie is a Trope, or a form of speech whereby the orator or speaker puts one thing for another, which by nature are nigh knit toge∣ther.

This change of name is used principally four waies.

• 1. When the cause is put for the effect.
• 2. When the effect is put for the cause.
• 3. When the subject is put for the adjunct.
• 4. When the adjunct is put for the subject.

Or, as others define it,

It is an exchange of a name, when one word comes in lieu of another, not for a similitude, but for other natural affinity and coherence.

At{que} Metonymia imponit nova nomina re∣bus:

1. Efficientis, ut Inventoris; Marte. Lyaeo. Au∣toris: Legitur Juvenalis. Livius ingens. Materiae: Pinus, ferrum, aeris acervus, arundo. Aut instrumenti: Gladius, lingua, arma manus{que}

2. Effecti: Clades Libyae. Mors frigida pallet.

3. Subjecti: ^a Curii. ^b Paterae. ^c Germania. ^d Rostra. ^e Vcalegon. ^f Cor, os. ^g Patronus. ^h Nox. ⁱ A∣maryllis.

4. Adjuncti: ^k Fasces. ^l Scelus. ^m aetas nul∣la. ⁿ Libelli.

1, A Metonymie of the Cause, is either when the cause is put for the effect, which is called a Metonymie of the efficient, or when the name of the matter is put for the thing made of the same called a Metonymie of the matter.

1. A Metonymie of the Efficient, is when the Efficient cause is put for its effect; or when the name of the Inventor or Author is put for the thing invented, or composed: as, in Farnabies inserted examples, Marte, pro praelio; Mars be∣ing the feigned inventor of war.—Lyaeo, pro vino; Lyaeus being one of the names of Bac∣chus, who was the feigned inventor of making wine; where also the names of Juvenal and fa∣mous Livius are put for the books or works, whereof they were Authors.

Vulcanns pro igne. Neptunus pro mari. Ceres pro pane. Venus pro amore.

English Examples of a Metonymie of the Efficient.

Vulcan for fire. Neptune for the sea. Bacchus for wine. Venus so love. Mars for war. Mercu∣rie for eloquence.

So Love is usually put for Liberality, the fruit and effect of love.

My blade is right Sebastian, for of Sebastians making.

He learn'd his Arguments of Aristotle, and his eloquence of Tully; (i. e) out of Aristotles and Tullies works.

Scriptural Examples.

Ezek. 7.15. The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within, &c. by sword, pestilence, and famine, is signified death, the effect of those causes.

Hag. 1.11. And I called for a drought upon the earth; (i. e.) hunger and famine caused by drought.

Numb. 32.23. And be sure your sin will find you out: where sin (the cause) is put for punish∣ment, its effect.

Luk. 16.29, 31. They have Mosos and the Prophets, (i. e.) the writings of Moses and the Prophets.

Thus in Gen. 35.18. The soul is put for life. See Lev. 20, 20. Psal. 128. 2 Luk. 24.27. Joh. 5.45, 46, &c.

A Metonymie of the Matter, is when the name of the matter, is put for the thing made of the same: as,

Pinus pro navi, a Pine-tree being much used where it growes, for building of ships.

Ferrum pro gladio, a sword being made part∣ly of iron.

Aes pro nummo, brasse and silver being the ma∣terials, whereof money is commonly made.

Ferro facibusq. invasit Italiam.

Sylva, pro domibus.

English Examples of a Metonymie of the Matter.

I want silver; where by silver, mony is to be understood.

Thus Seed is put for children, and Earth for man.

They eat the finest wheat, and drink the swee∣test grapes; by Wheat is understood bread, and by Grapes wine.

Scriptural Examples.

Psal. 115.4 Their Idols are silver and gold, (i. e) made of those metals.

Psal. 105.18. He was laid in iron, (i. e.) in fetters made of iron.

Gen. 3.19. Dust thou art, (i. e.) thou art for∣med out of the Dust.

Gen. 4.25. For God hath appointed me a∣nother seed in stead of Abel, (i. e.) another childe.

Dan. 5.4. Worshipped wood and stone, (i.e) Idols made of wood and stone.

In like manner also the instrument is put for the effect thereby: as,

• ...Gladius pro caede.
• ...Arma pro bello.
• ...Lingua pro sermone.
• ...Manus pro Scriptura.

English Examples.

The unlikely have worn the Crown; here the Crown being an instrument of royal dignity, sig∣nifies a kingdome.

The sword (being the instrument of slaugh∣ter) is put for slaughter.

In like manner the Tongue, for speech; Arms, for war; the hand, for the manuscript, or hand-writing.

Scriptural Examples.

Jam. 3.8. But the tongue can no man tame, where the tongue (the instrument of speech) is put for the speech.

2 Tim. 1.16. Was not ashamed of my Chain, (i. e.) of my bonds or bondage.

See Prov. 10.20. & 25.15.

Job 31.6. Let God weigh me in an even ballance; here Ballance (the instrument of e∣quity) is put for equity it self.

See Exod. 5.3. 1 Sam. 22.17. 1 Cor. 16.21, &c.

2. A Metonymie of the Effect, is when the effect or thing caused, is put for its cause: As,

Clades Lybiae, pro Cladis effectoribus, qui cla∣dem Lybiae intulerunt. Mors ••••igida pallet, (i. e.) pallidos reddit.

Victoria natura insolens & superba est, (i. e.) in∣solentes & superbos redait.

English Examples.

Hereby we say, death is pale, 'fear sad, a••∣ger hastie, wine bold; by which is signi••••ed, that death makes pale, &c.

Thus, Love is said to be bountiful, for that it renders one bountiful.

Scriptural Examples.

Exod. 15.2. He is become my salvation, (i.e.) my saviour.

Gen. 25 23. Two nations art in thy womb, (i. e.) the fathers of two nations; that is, Esau, the father of the Idumeans; and Jacob, the father of the Israelites.

2 King. 4.40. There is death in the pot, (i.e.) some deadly thing which cause••h death.

Mark 9.17, 25. A dumb and deaf spirit, (i.e.) making the possessed dumb and deaf.

See Rom. 7.7. Heb. 11.39. Joh. 3.19. & 17.3.

3. A Metonymie of the subject, is when the sub∣ject, or that to which any thing belongs is put for the Adjunct, or that which belongs there∣unto:

And it is made these nine waies, viz.

1. When the Subject is put for the Accident inherent: As,

^a Curii, victory; Curius being the name of a certain victorious Captain.

2. When the container is put for the thing contained; as,

^b Paterae, pro potu in eis contento, Crumena, pro nummis. Animosum pectus, pro corde.

English Examples.

The Cup, for the wine contained in it.

The Purse, for the money therein, &c.

Scriptural Examples.

Mat. 26.27. Luk. 22.20. By the Cup is sig∣nified the wine contained therein. See Jer. 49.12, &c.

3. When the Place is put for the inhabitants of the same, or for the things it containeth: as,

^c Germania, pro Germanis. Vrbs, pro Civibus. Carcer, pro vinctis. Anglia, pro Anglis.

English Examples.

The City met the General; for the Citi∣zens, &c.

It is difficult to overcome Italy by war, or Greece by learning; meaning the Italians and Grecians.

We are to war against Spain, (i. e.) against the Spaniards.

Scriptural Examples.

Luk. 13.14. Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem which killest the Prophets, &c. by Jerusalem is meant the Rulers and people of that city.

Deut. 4.26. I call heaven and earth to re∣cord; here by heaven and earth, Moses under∣derstands all in heaven and earth.

Gen. 39.4. He made him Ruler of his house, (i. e.) of all his servants, treasurers, and goods in the house.

Mat. 10.15. It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Mark 1.33. And the whole City was gathe∣red together at the door; (i. e.) the inhabitants of the City. See Luk. 19.9. Acts 26.31. Mat. 16.18.

4. When the place is put for the actions pro∣perly done in the place: as,

^d Restrum, pro sermone. Academia, aut Scho∣lae, pro doctrina. Sylve, pro venandi studio.

English Examples.

The Hall is done, (i. e.) the Action of that court of judicature.

Thus an Academy or School is put for lear∣ning.

Scriptural Examples.

Psal. 68.29. Because of thy Temple at Je∣rusalem; here by Temple is understood the ho∣ly excercises and divine worship used in the Temple.

5. When the possessor is put for the thing possessed: as,

^e Vcalegon, a noble sage of Troy, whose name is here put for nobility and sagacity.

Sic dicitur hominem d••v••rari, cujus patrimoni∣um devoratur.

Apud me (i. e.) domi meae.

English Examples.

Hereby, lands, houses, and ships, are often called by the owners names.

Thus, With me, is usually to be understood at my house.

So we say of some Guardians, They have de∣voured the Orphans, intimating the orphans patrimony.

Scriptural Examples.

Joel 3.20. Judah shall be inhabited for e∣ver; here Judah the son of Jacob, is put for the land of Jewry, which was promised to his po∣sterity, and by them possessed.

Gen. 15.3. A servant with me; that is, in my house.

Gen. 18.3. Depart not I pray thee from thy servant, (i e.) depart not from my tent.

6. When the seat or place is put for the qua∣lity inherent to the same: as,

^f Cor; os. Cor pro prudentiâ quae sedem habet in corde, (unde prudentes Cordati dicuntur;) os, pro pud••••e; qui se ore, (i. e.) vul••u prodit. Aut ali∣quando cor fortitudinem significat:

Non tibi plus cordis, sed minus oris inest.

English Examples.

Thus the heart is put for wisdome, because wisdome hath its seat there. And sometimes also, the heart is put for courage and fortitude by this Trope.

Scriptural Examples.

Jer. 17.9. The heart is deceitfull, &c. the heart being the seat or place, where the soul keeps it chief residence, is here and elsewhere, put for the will, affections and whole soul, as the qualities inherent thereunto.

Prov. 6.32. Whose committeth adultery with a woman, wanteth a heart; where by the want of an heart, is understood foolishnesse. See Prov. 2.10.

7. When the Advocate or Counsellor, who personates his Client, is put for him whom he personates and represents: as,

^g Patronus, procliente.

The Cause will go against the Attorny Ge∣neral, intimating against his Client, whom he represents.

8. When the time it self is put for the things usually done in time: as,

^h Nox, pro somno. Aestas, pro messe.

English Examples.

The night is frequently put for sleep, and sum∣mer for Harvest.

The dayes thought is the nights dream.

The mornings view corrects the evenings work.

In the two last examples, the day and the night, the morning and evening, do signifie the actions and accidents in them.

Scriptural Examples.

Job 32.7. I said, dayes should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdome, (i.e.) the aged, who have seen many dayes.

1 Chro. 12.32. And of the children of Issa∣char, which were men that had understanding of the times.

1 Cor. 4.3. Mans day, for mans Judgement. See Esth. 1.13. Joh. 12.27.

Or contrarywise, when the things which are done in time, are put for the time it self, as,

Messis, pro aestate. Calor, pro aestate. Frigus, pro hyeme.

Ante focum si frigus erit; si Messis in umbrâ.

English Examples.

By this Metonymie, the Harvest is put for Summer, Cold for Winter, and Sleep for the Night.

Scriptural Examples.

Exod. 23.10. Six years thou shalt sow thy land, and gather the fruits thereof. See Isa. 17.5. Exod. 23.10. Deut. 24.19.

9. When the name of the thing signified, is put for the sign: as,

ⁱ Amaryllis, pro carmine de eadem.

Jupiter, Apollo, Aencas, for the statutes or pictures of Apollo &c.

Scriptural Examples.

Thus in Gen. 17.10. Circumcision is called the Covenant, when 'twas only a Seal of the Covenant, and of the righteou••nesse of faith; as appears in Rom. 4.11.

So in Exod. 12.11. The Paschal Lamb is called the Lords Passeover.

Mat. 26.26, 28. B••ead and w••ne are said to be Christs body and blood; of which they are only but signes.

Thus in Luk. 22.20. This is the new Testa∣ment in my blood (i. e.) a sign or seal of the New Testament in my blood.

So in Titus 3.5. Baptism is called the new birth.

4. A Metonymie of the Adjunct, is when the Adjunct, or that which belongs to any thing, is put for the subject, or thing to which it be∣longs or is adjoyned: as,

Gen. 31.53 Jacob sware by the fear of his fa∣ther Isaac, (i. e.) by God, whom Isaac feared.

2. King 20.1. Set thy house in order, (i.e.) thy houshold affairs.

Thus the Captain General is often put for his Army; as, Hannibal was slain by Scipio; here Hannabal is put for his Army which he had ••ed against the Romans, and Scipio for the Romans who obtained the victory.

1 Sam. 18.7. Saul hath slain his thousands, &c.

So in Act. 9 5. Christ is put for his mem∣bers.

Psal. 85.11. Righteousnesse shall look down from heaven, (i. e.) God in whom righteous∣nesse resteth.

Hos. 4.1. There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the Land; by which Ad∣juncts is signified, that there are none, or very few at most, in whom those graces may be found.

This Metonymie is made these 9 waies, viz.

1. When the sign is put for the thing signifi∣ed thereby: as,

^k Fasces, pro Magistratu, Sceptrum, pro Regne, Toga, pro pace, Arma, pro bello.

Huic consilio palmam damus; (i. e.) victoriam.

English Examples.

Thus, weapons and armes sign••fie war, the keys power, and the palm victory, as being signs of war, power, &c.

Scriptural Examples.

Gen. 49.10. The scepter shall not dep•••••• from Juaah, (i. e.) the Kingdome, in••im••••i••g that Kings should not cease from the house o•• Judah.

Rom. 13.4. He beareth not the swo•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vain, (i. e.) Authority.

Jer. 24.10. Thus here the sword is put for war.

Thus also the name is often put for the thing it self: as,

Rev 3, 4 Thou hast a few names.

Prov. 18.10. The name of the Lord, (i. e.) the Lord himself.

Phil. 2.10. That at the name of Jesus eve∣ry knee should bow, &c. Ephes. 5, 20. Act. 1.15.

2. When the quality is put for the person sub∣ject thereunto: as,

^l Scelus pro scelesto, villany for a villain.

Deserts are preferred; (i. e.) men deserving are, &c.

Give room to the Quoise, (i. e.) to the Serjeant.

3. When the Adjunct of time is put for the persons, or things subject thereunto: as,

^m Aetas nulla, (i. e.) homines nullius aetatis.

Aspera tum positis mitescent secula bellis. (i. e.) homines, qui istis seculis vixerunt.

Temeritas est florentis aetatis, prudentia senectu∣tis, (i. e.) Juvenum & senum: Juventus, (i e.) Juvenes; Senectus, (i. e.) Senes.

—Oculisve aut pectore noctem Accipit—

Noctem, pro somno qui noctus capitur.

English Examples.

Thus the night is put for sleep, which is usu∣ally taken in the night.

Take heed young idlenesse, (i. e.) idle youth.

Scriptural Examples.

Ephes. 5.16. The dayes are evill, (i. e.) the hearts and conversations of the men of these dayes are evil.

4. When the names of the vertues them∣selves are put for good men; and of the vices, for evill men; and also when the names of di∣vers other things are used for the persons, to whom they are adjoyned, or appertain: as,

Ex hac parte pudor pugnat, illic petulantia: ubi pudor pro pudicis; & petulantia pro petulantibus ponitur, &c.

Virtutem praesentem odimus; (i. e.) viros bonos. Justitia pro Justo, &c.

English Examples.

Thus vertue is put for good men; and justice for a just man.

5. When the thing set in the place, is put for the place it self: as,

ⁿ Libelli pro libraria. Ludus pro Circo.

Te quaesivimus omnibus libellis, Bibliothecis.

English Examples.

Thus Books are put for a Library or Study. A play for a play-house.

6. When the thing contained is put for the

container, or the Abstract for the Concrete: as,

Aen. Virg. i.

—Vina coronant, (i. e.) pateram vina con∣tinentem. Wine is put for the cup that con∣tains it.

English Examples.

Psal. 11.7. The righteous Lord loveth righ∣teousnesse, (i. e.) righteous men.

1 Cor. 12.28. Helps, governments, for hel∣pers and governors.

Phil. 3.3. Circumcision is put for the per∣sons circumcised.

Tit. 1.12. Wickednesse is put for wicked men. See Gen. 19.15. Prov. 11.5. Rom. 4.9. Gal. 2.12.

It is very usual in Scripture to put the Ab∣stract for the Concrete, to set forth the excel∣lency of the person or thing spoken of.

Thus God tels Abraham, that he shall not only be blessed, Sed erit ipsissima benedictio, Gen. 12.2. (i. e.) affluens omni benedictione; & non tam benedictus, quam ipsa benedicto dici∣tur.

Thus in 1 Cor. 1.30. Christ is not called righteous, but righteousnesse.

7. When the Antecedent, or that which goes before, is put for the consequent, or that which followes: as,

Discumbere pro coenare. Audire vel auscultare pro obtemperare. Fuimus Troes, pro non amplius sumus. Vixit, (i. e.) mortuus est. Strato discumbi∣tur ostro, (i.e.) cibum capiunt.

English Examples.

Thus, to hear, is to obey.

He hath lived, (i e.) he is dead.

They are set (i. e) a•• s••pper.

The sword is drawn, whereby is signified the ensuing slaughter.

Scriptural Examples.

Exod. 19.9. Deut. 5.27. Hear, is put for obey.

So in Exod. 18, 19. Hearken unto my voice; for Obey my voice or commande∣ment.

8. When the Consequent is put for the An∣tecedent: as,

Sepultus est, pro mortuus est. Evigilabit, pro dormitat.

English Examples.

The Guests are risen, (i. e.) have supped.

He is buried, (i. e.) he is dead.

Scriptural Examples.

Gen. 3.19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread, &c. here by sweat fol∣lowing labour, is signified labour before meat.

Isa. 28.16. He that believeth, shall not make haste: this Paul in Rom. 9.33. interprets,

shall not be ashamed: shame and confusion be∣ing effects of making haste, &c.

9. When all things going together, one is put for another: as,

Juxta Terentium castra posuerat Annibal, (i.e.) hujus & illius exercitus.

Annibal ibi moratur, pro exercitu Annibalis.

English Examples.

Thus Hannibal is put for his Army, or any Captain General for the Army under his con∣duct and command.

Scriptural Examples.

Josh. 11.21.23. Joshua overcame the Ca∣naanites, (i. e.) he and his Army.

So in 1 Sam. 18.7. Saul hath slain his thou∣sands, &c.

So in Mat. 25.35. Christ is put for his Members.

A Metonymie of the End, is when the end is put for the means conducing to the same: as,

Subeat virtus vestra experimenta majora, (i.e.) pericula. Aris imponit honorem, (i.e.) sacrificium.

Dicitur & planstris vexisse po••mata Thespis, (i. e.) Scenas, in quibus poemata fiebant.

An English Example.

Let your courage enterprize greater experi∣ments (i. e.) dangers.

He layes honour upon the altar (i. e.) a sacri∣fice; for that in the old Law none but such as were Priests unto God were admitted to sacri∣fice unto him, which was a dignity importing honour.

Scriptural Examples.

Jude 7. Sodome and Gomorrah were set forth for examples, (i. e.) were punished for ex∣amples sake.

Psal. 57.8. Awake my glory, (i. e.) my tongue given to glorifie God.

See 1 Cor. 10.6.

A Metonymie of the form, is when the form is put for the thing, to which it gives a be∣ing: as,

Luxuries in flagitiis, Crudeli as in suppliciis, avaritia in rapinis, superbia in contumeli••s, pro luxurioso, crudeli, avaro, superbo.

Ars mendicando quaerit honesta cibum, (i. e.) Artifices honesti.

English Examples.

Thus Art is put for an Artificer; pride for a proud man, and covetousness for a cove∣tous man, and the soul for man. Heare you modesty it self, (i. e.) some one very modest.

Scriptural Examples.

Exod. 1.5. Seventy souls went down into Egypt, (i. e.) men. The like in Gen. 12.5. & 46.18.

Notes

• Farnaby.
• Met. Effi∣cientis.
• Met mate∣riae.
• Met. In∣strument.
• Met Esse∣cli.
• Met. Sub∣jecti.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Ad∣juncti.
• Met. An••e∣ceden••is.
• Met. Conse∣quontis.
• Met. Con∣next.
• Met. Finis
• See the explicati∣on of the Termes.
• Met. For∣mae.