conceit
noun
con·ceit
| \ kən-ˈsēt
\
\
Definition of conceit
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1)
: a result of mental activity : thought
(2)
: individual opinion
b
: favorable opinion
especially
: excessive appreciation of one's own worth or virtue
… the landlord's conceit of his own superior knowledge … — Adam Smith
2
: a fancy item or trifle
Conceits were fancy desserts, made either of sugar … or pastry.— Francie Owen
3a
: a fanciful idea
b
: an elaborate or strained metaphor
The poem abounds in metaphysical conceits.
c
: use or presence of such conceits in poetry
d
: an organizing theme or concept
… found his conceit for the film early …— Peter Wilkinson … the historian's conceit that the past is forever prologue …— Leon V. Sigal