verb (used without object), al·lud·ed, al·lud·ing.
- to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by to): He often alluded to his poverty.
- to contain a casual or indirect reference (usually followed by to): The letter alludes to something now forgotten.
verb (intr foll by to)
- to refer indirectly, briefly, or implicitly
- (loosely) to mention
1530s, “mock,” from Middle French alluder or directly from Latin alludere “to play, sport, joke, jest,” from ad- “to” (see ad-) + ludere “to play” (see ludicrous). Meaning “make an indirect reference, point in passing” is from 1570s. Related: Alluded; alluding.