ignis fatuus
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Now, let the reader examine and study these definitions of Liberty by Paley, Montesquieu and Blackstone, and he will see that they are in pursuit of an ignis fatuus that eludes their grasp.
From Cannibals all! or, Slaves without masters by Fitzhugh, George
Still the ignis fatuus of a shorter route to India tantalized the early navigators.
From The Greater Republic A History of the United States by Morris, Charles
He paused, leaning on the yoke, his dreary eyes still on the ignis fatuus of the woods.
From The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains by Murfree, Mary Noailles
Nor he, nor any of the brave Plantagenets ever came to Ireland, for they were pursuing an ignis fatuus in France, instead of attending to their own business at home.
From My Lords of Strogue, Vol. I (of III) A Chronicle of Ireland, from the Convention to the Union by Wingfield, Lewis
Never did a geographical entity seem so to play the ignis fatuus with the world as did the River.
From The Columbia River Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce by Lyman, William Denison
