circumlocutory, a.
(sɜːkəmˈlɒkjuːtərɪ)
[? f. circumlocution or its source: see -ory.]
Marked by circumlocution, roundabout, periphrastic.
| 1659 Instruct. Oratory (1682) 31 (T.) Circumlocutory: that not to be expressed in many words which may be as fully in one. 1741 Pope, &c., Mart. Scriblerus viii. (R.), Periphrase..being a diffused circumlocutory manner of expressing a known idea. 1841 Thackeray Crit. Rev. Wks. 1886 XXIII. 180 Are we bound..to speak of humbug only in a circumlocutory way? 1870 Jevons Elem. Logic xxxiii. 289 It will..oblige us to use a circumlocutory phrase. |