Found 1 items, similar to Circumlocution office.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Circumlocution office Circumlocution \Cir`cum*lo*cu"tion\, 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]