n. [ L. periphrasis, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; &unr_; + &unr_; to speak: cf. F. périphrase. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Periphrased p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing. ] [ Cf. F. périphraser. ] To express by periphrase or circumlocution. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To use circumlocution. [ 1913 Webster ]