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.
Character, the vital principle of the individual, is the ignis fatuus of the mechanical biographer.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 "Borgia, Lucrezia" to "Bradford, John" by Various
After all, am I the victim of an illusion—following but an ignis fatuus kindled by my own vanity?”
From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne
It is a proteus that changes its shape before one can describe it —an ignis fatuus, that changes its place before one can get his hand on it.
From Calvinistic Controversy Embracing a Sermon on Predestination and Election and Several Numbers, Formally Published in the Christian Advocate and Journal. by Fisk, Wilbur
Silent and alone, she saw the signal-light of the steamer moving like an ignis fatuus along the empurpled bosom of the water—at length suddenly disappearing behind the battlements of the Fort.
From The Child Wife by Reid, Mayne
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
