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. "Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for the phrase. Shak.
A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the hearth." Tennyson. Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst. Shak.
A short clause or portion of a period.
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." Shak.
To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4.
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