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 periphrese.
the plain Billingagate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution.
Swift.
Circumlocution office, a term of riducle for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.
© Webster 1913.