Noah Webster
Irony
I'RONY, adjective [from iron.] Made or consisting of iron; partaking of iron; as irony chains; irony particles.
1. Resembling iron; hard.
I'RONY, [Latin ironia; Gr. a dissembler in speech.]
A mode of speech expressing a sense contrary to that which the speaker intends to convey; as, Nero was a very virtuous prince; Pope Hildebrand was remarkable for his meekness and humility. when irony is uttered, the dissimulation is generally apparent from the manner of speaking, as by a smile or an arch look, or perhaps by an affected gravity of countenance. irony in writing may also be detected by the manner of expression.