Full Idea
When we ask whether Homer existed, we are using the word 'Homer' as an abbreviated description.
Gist of Idea
Asking 'Did Homer exist?' is employing an abbreviated description
Source
Bertrand Russell (Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy [1919], XVI)
Book Reference
Russell,Bertrand: 'Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy' [George Allen and Unwin 1975], p.179
A Reaction
It is hard to disagree with Russell over this rather unusual example. It doesn't seem so plausible when Ottiline refers to 'Bertie'.