Chi*as"mus (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. a placing crosswise, fr. . See Chiasm.] Rhet.
An inversion of the order of words or phrases, when repeated or subsequently referred to in a sentence
; thus,
If e'er to bless thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skill forsake,
This voice in silence die.
Dwight.
© Webster 1913.