Circumlocution
Circumlocution , noun
[Latin circumlocutio, from circumloqui, -locutus, to make use of circumlocution; circum + loqui to speak. See Loquacious.]
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.
the plain Billingsgate way of calling names... would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution.
Collocations (1)
Circumlocution office , a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.