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out-Herod

verb out-Her·od \ ˌau̇t-ˈher-əd \

Definition of out-Herod

transitive verb

: to exceed in violence or extravagance —usually used in the phrase out-Herod Herod

Origin and Etymology of out-herod

out- + Herod the Great, depicted in medieval mystery plays as a blustering tyrant

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First Known Use: 1604

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