periphrasis

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

periphrasis
    n 1: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things
         [syn: {circumlocution}, {periphrasis}, {ambage}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Periphrasis \Pe*riph"ra*sis\, n.; pl. {Periphrases}. [L.]
   See {Periphrase}.
   [1913 Webster] Periphrastic

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

PERIPHRASIS. Circumlocution; the use of other words to express the sense of 
one. 
     2. Some words are so technical in their meaning that in charging 
offences in indictments they must be used or the indictment will not be 
sustained; for example, an indictment for treason must contain the word 
traitorously; (q.v.) an indictment for burglary, burglariously; ( q.v.) and 
feloniously (q.v.) must be introduced into every indictment for felony. 1 
Chitty's Cr. Law, 242; 3 Inst. 15; Carth. 319; 2 Hale, P. C. 172; 184;, 4 
Bl. Com. 307; Hawk B. 2, c. 25, s. 55; 1 East P. C. 115; Bac. Ab. 
Indictment, G 1; Com. ]Dig. Indictment, G 6 Cro. C. C. 37.