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

It is yet the lure, the ignis fatuus of almost every breathing heart.

From The "Genius" by Dreiser, Theodore

The ignis fatuus is almost extinct; so much so that Jack-o’-the-Lantern has died out of the village folklore.

From Wild Life in a Southern County by Jefferies, Richard

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