The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.] [Cf. F. p['e]riphraser.]
   To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, v. i.
   To use circumlocution.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Periphrase \Per"i*phrase\, n. [L. periphrasis, Gr. ?, fr. ? to
   think about, to be expressed periphrastically; ? + ? to
   speak: cf. F. p['e]riphrase. See Phrase.] (Rhet.)
   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.
   [1913 Webster]