n. [ L. circumlocutio, fr. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
Circumlocution office, a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials. [ 1913 Webster ]
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