Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.