Phrase

n. [Fr. phrase, It. & Sp. frase, Lat. phrasis, Gr. φράσις, from φράζειν, to speak.]

1. A brief expression, or part of a sentence; two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence.
2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, humanum est errare, to err is human.
3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expresses himself; diction; expression; style. “What phrase is this?” Shak.

Thou speak’st In better phrase. Shak. 4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a sentence. ☞ A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases.