conceit

(noun) feelings of excessive pride. Synonyms: amour propre, self-love, vanity.

(noun) an elaborate poetic image or a far-fetched comparison of very dissimilar things.

(noun) a witty or ingenious turn of phrase. Example: "He could always come up with some inspired off-the-wall conceit."

(noun) an artistic device or effect. Example: "The architect's brilliant conceit was to build the house around the tree."

(noun) the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride. Synonyms: conceitedness, vanity.