chiasmus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun inversion in the second of two parallel phrases

WordNet

Chi*as"mus noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. a placing crosswise, fr. . See Chiasm.
Definitions
  1. (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