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.
"Convey" the wise 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." Tennyson.
Thou speak'st
In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Shak. 4. (Mus.) 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. J. S. Blackie.
Phrase
(Phrase), 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.
Phrase
(Phrase), v. i.
1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4.
Phraseless
(Phrase"less), a. Indescribable. Shak.
Phraseogram
(Phra"se*o*gram) n. [Gr. a phrase + -gram.] (Phonography) A symbol for a phrase.
Phraseologic
(Phra`se*o*log"ic Phra`se*o*log"ic*al) a. Of or pertaining to phraseology; consisting of a
peculiar form of words. "This verbal or phraseological answer." Bp. Pearson.
Phraseologist
(Phra`se*ol"o*gist) n. A collector or coiner of phrases.
Phraseology
(Phra`se*ol"o*gy) n. [Gr. phrase + -logy: cf. F. phraséologie.]
1. Manner of expression; peculiarity of diction; style.
Most completely national in his . . . phraseology.
I. Taylor. 2. A collection of phrases; a phrase book. [R.]
Syn. — Diction; style. See Diction.
Phrasing
(Phras"ing) n.
1. Method of expression; association of words.
2. (Mus.) The act or method of grouping the notes so as to form distinct musical phrases.
Phratry
(Phra"try) n.; pl. Phratries (Gr. Antiq.) A subdivision of a phyle, or tribe, in Athens.
