Aposiopēsis (ἀποσιώπησις becoming silent) is a form of ellipse by which, under the influence of passionate feeling or of modesty, a speaker comes to an abrupt halt. Examples 2352 d, 18.3, 22, 195, O. T. 1289, Vesp. 1178. Cp. “Massachusetts and her people . . . hold him, and his love . . . and his principles, and his standard of truth in utter—what shall I say? —anything but respect:” Webster.