n. | 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. |
| 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. |
| 4. | (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period. |
v. t. | 1. | To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. |
v. i. | 1. | To use proper or fine phrases. |
| 2. | (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4. |