n. & v.
n. 1 a group of words forming a conceptual unit, but not a sentence. 2 an idiomatic or short pithy expression. 3 a manner or mode of expression (a nice turn of phrase). 4 Mus. a group of notes forming a distinct unit within a larger piece.
v.tr. 1 express in words (phrased the reply badly). 2 (esp. when reading aloud or speaking) divide (sentences etc.) into units so as to convey the meaning of the whole. 3 Mus. divide (music) into phrases etc. in performance. phrase book a book for tourists etc. listing useful expressions with their equivalent in a foreign language. phrasing n.
[ earlier phrasis f. L f. Gk f. phrazo declare, tell ]