‖n.; pl. Metalepses [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_; participation, alteration, fr. &unr_; to partake, to take in exchange; &unr_; beyond + &unr_; to take. ] (Rhet.) The continuation of a trope in one word through a succession of significations, or the union of two or more tropes of a different kind in one word. [ 1913 Webster ]