conceit

Definition

Something conceived in the mind; an idea, a thought.

Etymology

From Middle English conceyte, formed from conceyven by analogy with pairs such as (Modern English) deceive~deceit, receive~receipt etc. Doublet of concept and concetto. Akin to Portuguese conceito.

Example Sentences

• "In laughing, there ever procedeth a conceit of somewhat ridiculous."
• "a man wise in his own conceit"
• "It was after a night like this that I shocked the community with a queer conceit about the burial of the rich and celebrated Squire Brewster […]"