noun.
The use of unnecessarily wordy language, especially in being vague or evasive.
noun.
A roundabout or evasive expression.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
noun.
A roundabout way of speaking; an indirect mode of statement; particularly, a studied indirectness or evasiveness of language in speaking or writing.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.
noun.
a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.