Loophole
['luːphəʊl] or ['luphol]
Definition
(noun.) a small hole in a fortified wall; for observation or discharging weapons.
(noun.) an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation.
Typist: Murray--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A small opening, as in the walls of fortification, or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or other weapons may be discharged at an enemy.
(n.) A hole or aperture that gives a passage, or the means of escape or evasion.
Checked by Gwen
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Opening (in the wall of a fortification), aperture.[2]. Plea, pretext, pretence, excuse, way for evasion, way of escape.
Editor: Manuel
Definition
n. a small hole in a wall &c. through which small-arms may be fired: a means of escape.—adjs. Looped (Shak.) full of small openings; Loop′holed.—n. Loop′-light a small narrow window.
Edited by Dorothy
Examples
- The girl, standing pale and rigid against the farther wall, sought with ever-increasing terror for some loophole of escape. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
- Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Indeed, through this very loophole of character, the reality, depth, genuineness of that refinement may be ascertained. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- All sacrifice was barred to the faithful; no loophole was left for the sacrificial priest of the old dispensation to come back into the new faith. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- A loophole window was pierced in each of its side walls. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- In the dormitories I observed loopholes at certain distances all along just under the ceiling, which I thought judiciously placed for change of air. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
Typist: Maxine