Per"i*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Periphrased (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Periphrasing.] [Cf. F. périphraser.] To
express by periphrase or circumlocution.
Per"i*phrase, v. i. To use
circumlocution.
Per"i*phrase (?), n. [L.
periphrasis, Gr. ?, fr. ? to think about, to be expressed
periphrastically; ? + ? to speak: cf. F. périphrase.
See Phrase.] (Rhet.) The use of more words than are
necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of
speaking; circumlocution. "To describe by enigmatic
periphrases." De Quincey.