a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication

an allusion to Shakespeare.

the act of alluding.

Obsolete . a metaphor; parable.

noun

reality

noun

casual remark , charge , citation , connotation , denotation , figure of speech , implication , imputation , incidental mention , indication , inference , innuendo , insinuation , intimation , mention , play on words , quotation , remark , statement , suggestionnotes:allusion is an \'indirect mention , \' illusion is \'false impression , \' and delusion is \'deception\' which is much stronger than illusion , hint , inkling , instance , reference