Periphrase

n. [Fr. périphrase, It. perifrasi, Sp. perifrasi, perifrāsis, Lat. periphrasis, Gr. περίφρασις, from περιφράζεσθαι, to think about, to be expressed periphrastically, from περί, about, and φράζειν, to speak.] (Rhet.) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a figure employed to avoid a common and trite manner of expression; circumlocution; a circuit of words. Cassandra is made to describe by enigmatic periphrases. De Quincey.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. PERIPHRASED; p. pr. & vb. n. PERIPHRASING.] [Fr. périphraser, Sp. perifrasear, It. perifrasare.] To express by circumlocution.

v. i. To use circumlocution.