Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAR'A-PHRASE, n. [s as z. Gr. παραφρασις; παρα, beyond, and φρασις, phrase.]

An explanation of some text or passage in a book, in a more clear and ample manner than as expressed in the words of the author. Such is the paraphrase of the New Testament by Erasmus. rich in paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense. – Dryden.