Metaphrase \Met"a*phrase\ (m[e^]t"[.a]*fr[=a]z), n. [Gr.
meta`frasis, from metafra`zein to paraphrase; meta` beyond,
over + fra`zein to speak: cf. F. m['e]taphrase.]
1. A verbal translation; a version or translation from one
language into another, word for word; a literal
translation; -- opposed to {paraphrase}. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
2. An answering phrase; repartee. --Mrs. Browning.
[1913 Webster]