Emily Dickinson Lexicon

phrase, n. [Late L. phrasis < Gk φράσις, speech, way of speaking < φράζ-ειν, point out, indicate, declare, tell.] (webplay: language, truth).

1. Saying; group of words; articulation; verbalization; means of expression; way to communicate.
2. Inscription; epitaph; engraved superscription on a tombstone.