\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.
      the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would
      save abundance of time lost by circumlocution. --Swift.
{Circumlocution office}, a term of ridicule for a
   governmental office where business is delayed by passing
   through the hands of different officials.