antonomasia

an·ton·o·ma·sia

noun
\ˌan-tə-nō-ˈmā-zh(ē-)ə, (ˌ)an-ˌtä-nə-\

Definition of ANTONOMASIA

: the use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (as a Solomon for a wise ruler); also : the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (as the Bard for Shakespeare)

Origin of ANTONOMASIA

Latin, use of an epithet for a proper name, from Greek, from antonomazein to call by a new name, from anti- + onomazein to name, from onoma name — more at name

First Known Use: circa 1550