In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.
PERIPHRASING
Verb
periphrasing
present participle of periphrase
Source: Wiktionary
PERIPHRASE
Per"i*phrase, n. Etym: [L. periphrasis, Gr. périphrase. See Phrase.] (Rhet.)
Definition: The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution. "To describe by enigmatic periphrases." De Quincey.
Per"i*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.] Etym: [Cf. F. périphraser.]
Definition: To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
Per"i*phrase, v. i.
Definition: To use circumlocution.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
26 June 2025
DISPIRITEDLY
(adverb) in a dispirited manner without hope; “the first Mozartian opera to be subjected to this curious treatment ran dispiritedly for five performances”
Coffee Trivia
