byword

[ bahy-wurd ]
/ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd /

noun

a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.
a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.
an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.: His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.
an epithet, often of scorn.

Origin of byword

before 1050; Middle English biworde, Old English biwyrde. See by1 (adj.), word

Example sentences from the Web for byword

British Dictionary definitions for byword

byword
/ (ˈbaɪˌwɜːd) /

noun

a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something their name is a byword for good service
an object of scorn or derision
a common saying; proverb

Word Origin for byword

Old English bīwyrde; see by, word; compare Old High German pīwurti, from Latin prōverbium proverb