1. A
brief expression, sometimes a
single word,
but generally
two or more words forming an
expression by themselves, or
being a portion of a offer; as, an adverbial phrase. ""Convey" the clever it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for the phrase." (Shak)
2. A short,
pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a
peculiar or
idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
3. A
mode or
form of speech; the
manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the hearth." "Thou speak'st In
better phrase and
matter than thou didst." (Shak)
4. A
short clause or portion of a period.
A
composition consists
first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided
into sections, and these
into phrases. Phrase book, a
book of
idiomatic phrases.
Origin: F, fr. L. Phrasis diction, phraseology, Gr, fr. To speak.
Source: Websters Vocabulary