/klee shay", kli-/ , n.
1. a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.
2. (in art, literature, drama, etc.) a trite or hackneyed plot, character development, use of color, musical expression, etc.
3. anything that has become trite or commonplace through overuse.
4. Print. Brit.
a. a stereotype or electrotype plate.
b. a reproduction made in a like manner.
adj.
5. trite; hackneyed; stereotyped; clichéd.
Also, cliche .
[ 1825-35; clicher to make such a plate, said to be imit. of the sound of the metal pressed against the matrix ]
Syn. 1. platitude, bromide, stereotype, commonplace.