An indirect reference to another work of literature, person, or event, typically made without explicit identification. The reference relies on the reader's knowledge to understand the connection.
From Latin 'alludere,' meaning 'to play with' or 'to refer to mockingly,' combining 'ad-' (to) and 'ludere' (to play). The term entered English in the 16th century, evolving from its playful origins to encompass any indirect reference.
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