Circumlocution \Cir`cum*lo*cu"tion\, n. [L. circumlocutio, fr. circumloqui, -locutus, to make use of circumlocution; circum + loqui to speak. See Loquacious.]

The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.

the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution. --Swift.

Circumlocution office, a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)