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.