Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CIR-CUM-LO-CU'TION, n. [L, circumlocutio; circum and locutio, a speaking, loquor, to speak.]

A circuit or compass of words; a periphrase; the use of a number of words to express an idea, when a suitable term is not at hand, or when a speaker chooses to avoid the use of a single term, either from delicacy or respect, or with a view to soften the force of a direct expression, or for other reason.