n. [ F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to speak. ] 1. A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

“Convey” the wise it call. “Steal!” foh! a fico for the phrase. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. “Phrases of the hearth.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou speak'st
In better phrase and matter than thou didst. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases. [ 1913 Webster ]

Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. J. S. Blackie. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Phrased p. pr. & vb. n. Phrasing. ] [ Cf. F. phraser. ] To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. “These suns -- for so they phrase 'em.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To use proper or fine phrases. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Indescribable. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; a phrase + -gram. ] (Phonography) A symbol for a phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. Of or pertaining to phraseology; consisting of a peculiar form of words. “This verbal or phraseological answer.” Bp. Pearson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A collector or coiner of phrases. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, phrase + -logy: cf. F. phraséologie. ] 1. Manner of expression; peculiarity of diction; style. [ 1913 Webster ]

Most completely national in his . . . phraseology. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A collection of phrases; a phrase book. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Diction; style. See Diction. [ 1913 Webster ]