المعنى الاصطلاحي :

Using a word to denote a meaning other than its original one if there is a relation between the two meanings and a supplementary evidence for using the alternate meaning rather than the original one.

الشرح المختصر :

"Majāz" (figurative speech): Speeches are of two types: 1. "Haqeeqah" (literal): which uses words according to their original meanings. 2. "Majāz" (metaphorical): which uses words to denote meanings other than their original ones based on a relation between the literal meaning and the figurative one, in addition to a reason that prevents the mind from intending the literal meaning. For example, if you say: "I saw a lion carrying a sword", the word "lion" is not used to denote its literal meaning, which is the known animal. Rather, it is used to denote another meaning, i.e. a brave man, which is the figurative meaning of the word. The relation between the original meaning and the figurative one is "bravery", and the supportive evidence is that it is impossible for a lion to carry a sword. "Majāz" is divided into two categories: 1. Linguistic "majāz": it is related to the words of language, whether words or compositions. It is divided into two: a) "Majāz mursal" (synecdoche): it is when the relationship between the literal and figurative meanings is something other than resemblance. b) "Majāz isti‘āri" (metaphor): it is when the relationship between the literal meaning and the figurative meaning is resemblance. 2. Mental "majāz": it is attributing the action to other than its real doer because of a relation linking the two of them, as well as a supportive evidence, like attributing action to time or place, etc. For example, one may say: "The roads are crowded." In fact, roads do not crowd; rather, it is the people who crowd.

التعريف اللغوي المختصر :

"Majāz": moving from one place to another. Derived from "tajāwuz", which means exceeding and transgressing. Other meanings: passage, free and broad usage of language.