metaclass / eigenclass / virtual class
class Object
def metaclass
class << self
self
end
end
end
A few must read posts about metaprogramming in Ruby:
http://dannytatom.me/metaid/
http://rubylearning.com/blog/2010/11/30/how-do-i-build-dsls-with-yield-and-instance_eval/
http://yehudakatz.com/2009/11/15/metaprogramming-in-ruby-its-all-about-the-self/
http://madebydna.com/all/code/2011/06/24/eigenclasses-demystified.html