circumlocute, v.
(ˌsɜːkəmləʊˈkjuːt)
Also 6 -loquute.
[f. L. circumlocūt- ppl. stem of circumloqui.]
† trans. To express by circumlocution, or periphrastically (obs.). b. intr. To use circumlocution. (humorous.)
| 1530 Palsgr. Introd. 33 Verbes passyves be circumlocuted thorowe all theyr modes. Ibid. 51 The preter perfect temps..in the frenche tonge is circumloquuted by these verbes ay and suis. Ibid. 192 But one worde, whiche the frenche tong circumlocuteth with thre or four wordes. 1859 G. Meredith R. Feverel III. xiv. 390, I went to her and began to circumlocute. |