What is "epiploce"

Epiploce \E*pip"lo*ce\, n. [L., connection, from Gr. ? a plaiting together, fr. ? to plait or braid in; 'epi` upon + ? to twist, plait.] (Rhet.) A figure by which one striking circumstance is added, in due gradation, to another; climax; e. g., ``He not only spared his enemies, but continued them in employment; not only continued, but advanced them.''
--Johnson.

n. (context rhetoric English) A figure of speech by which one striking circumstance is added, in due gradation, to another; climax; e.g. "He not only spared his enemies, but continued them in employment; not only continued, but advanced them."