Cir`cum*lo*cu"tion (?), n. [L.
circumlocutio, fr. circumloqui, -locutus, to
make use of circumlocution; circum + loqui to
speak. See Loquacious.] The use of many words to
express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or
roundabout language; a periphrase.
the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . .
would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution.
Swift.
Circumlocution office, a term of
ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by
passing through the hands of different officials.