prolepsis
pro·lep·sis
noun \prō-ˈlep-səs\ plural pro·lep·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of PROLEPSIS
: anticipation: as a : the representation or assumption of a future act or development as if presently existing or accomplished b : the application of an adjective to a noun in anticipation of the result of the action of the verb (as in “while yon slow oxen turn the furrowed plain”)
— pro·lep·tic \-ˈlep-tik\ adjective
— pro·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Origin of PROLEPSIS
Greek prolēpsis, from prolambanein to take beforehand, from pro- before + lambanein to take — more at latch
First Known Use: 1578
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