Tau-tŏl'o-ġy, n.

n. [Gr. ταὐτολογία, Lat., It., & Sp. tautologia, Fr. tautologie. See supra.] A repetition of the same meaning in different words; needless repetition of a thing in different words or phrases; or a representation of any thing 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.

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 either to the sense or the sound.

Saint Andre's feet ne'er kept more equal time, Not even the feet of thy own Psyche's rhyme; Though they in numbers as in sense excel, So just, so like tautology, they fell. Dryden.

If you conquer Rome, the benefit Which you shall thereby reap is such a name Whose repetition will be dogged with curses. Shak.

I love such tears As fall from fit notes beaten through mine ears, With repetitions of what Heaven hath done. Chapman.