a. Tautological. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. tautologique. ] Involving tautology; having the same signification; as, tautological expression. -- Tau`to*log"ic*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

Tautological echo, an echo that repeats the same sound or syllable many times. [1913 Webster]

n. [ L. tautologia, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. tautologie. ] (Rhet.) A repetition of the same meaning in different words; needless repetition of an idea in different words or phrases; a representation of anything as the cause, condition, or consequence of itself, as in the following lines: --

The dawn is overcast, the morning lowers,
And heavily in clouds brings on the day. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Repetition. -- Tautology, Repetition. There may be frequent repetitions (as in legal instruments) which are warranted either by necessity or convenience; but tautology is always a fault, being a sameness of expression which adds nothing to the sense or the sound. [ 1913 Webster ]