əˈlüzhən, aˈ- sometimes əlˈyü- or alˈyü- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin allusion-, allusio, from Late Latin, playing with, from Latin allusus (past participle of alludere to play with, jest, refer to) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at allude
1. obsolete : a figurative or symbolical reference
2. : an implied indication or indirect reference : alluding
the English habit of understatement, of allusion — D.W.Brogan
3.
a. : a reference usually by indirection or implication or in passing especially as utilized in literature
with historical allusions on every page
Pope's allusions to Horace
b. : the use of such reference especially in poetry