The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.
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.
Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, v. i. To use circumlocution.
Wiktionary
n. (context rhetoric English) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution. vb. 1 (context transitive English) To express by #Noun or circumlocution. 2 (context intransitive English) To use circumlocution.
Usage examples of "periphrase".
Below, it was stated, with the usual legal periphrases, that he left all he possessed to Margot Beste-Chetwynde.
It is worthy of remark, that the age of periphrases in verse was the age of crudities in prose.
All these things might be alleged against Lydgate, but then, they are the periphrases of a polite preacher, who talks of Adam, and would not like to mention anything painful to the pew-renters.