'Periphrase' definitions:
Definition of 'Periphrase'
From: GCIDE
- Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, n. [L. periphrasis, Gr. ?, fr. ? to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; ? + ? to speak: cf. F. p['e]riphrase. 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. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Periphrase'
From: GCIDE
- Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.] [Cf. F. p['e]riphraser.] To express by periphrase or circumlocution. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Periphrase'
From: GCIDE
- Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, v. i. To use circumlocution. [1913 Webster]