Also 6–7 anagrame, -gramm(e. [a. Fr. anagramme, or ad. mod.L. anagramma (16th c.), f. Gr. ἀνα-γράφ-ειν, to write up, write back or anew. Ἀνάγραμμα was not in Greek, though the grammarians had ἀναγραμματίζ-ειν to transpose the letters of a word, and ἀναγραμματισμός transposition of letters.]
1. A transposition of the letters of a word, name or phrase, whereby a new word or phrase is formed.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie (Arb.), 115. Of the Anagrame, or poesie transposed.
1609. B. Jonson, Silent Wom., IV. iii. (1616), 572. Who will … make anagrammes of our names.
1632. Howell, Lett. (1650), I. 261. This Gustavus (whose anagram is Augustus) was a great Captain.
1705. Hickeringill, Priest-Cr., II. iii. 36. The true Anagram of Jesuita, is Sevitia, Cruelty.
1865. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., II. VI. ii. 14. Monsieur Arouet Junior (le Jeune, or l. j.), who, by an ingenious anagram … writes himself Voltaire ever since.
† 2. loosely or fig. A transposition, a mutation. Obs.
1634. Heywood, Maidenh. well Lost, XI. 119. What meane these strange Anagrams?
a. 1659. Cleveland, Comm. Place (1677), 167. Heaven descends into the Bowels of the Earth, and, to make up the Anagramm, the Graves open and the Dust ariseth.
1678. Butler, Hudibr., III. i. 772. His body, that stupendous frame, Of all the world the anagram.
