n. [ L. tautologia, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. tautologie. ] (Rhet.) A repetition of the same meaning in different words; needless repetition of an idea in different words or phrases; a representation of anything as the cause, condition, or consequence of itself, as in the following lines: --
The dawn is overcast, the morning lowers,
And heavily in clouds brings on the day. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]