n.1 a a roundabout expression. b evasive talk.
2 the use of many words where fewer would do; verbosity.
Derivatives:
circumlocutional adj. circumlocutionary adj. circumlocutionist n. circumlocutory adj.
Etymology: ME f. F circumlocution or L circumlocutio (as CIRCUM-, LOCUTION), transl. of Gk PERIPHRASIS