PHRASE, n. s as z. [Gr. to speak.] 1. A short sentence or expression. A phrase may be complete, as when it conveys complete sense, as humanum est errare, to err is human; or it may be incomplete, as when it consists of several words without affirming any thing, or when the noun and the verb do the office of a noun only; as, that which is true, that is, truth, satisfied the mind.2. A particular mode of speech; a peculiar sentence of short idiomatic expression; as a Hebrew phrase; an Italian phrase.3. Style; expression. Thou speak'st In better phrase.4. In music, any regular symmetrical course of notes which begin and complete the intended expression.PHRASE, v.t. To call; to style; to express in words or in peculiar words. These suns, For so they phrase them.
|
