phrase
    n 1: an expression consisting of one or more words forming a
         grammatical constituent of a sentence
    2: a short musical passage [syn: phrase, musical phrase]
    3: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the
       meanings of the words that make it up [syn: idiom,
       idiomatic expression, phrasal idiom, set phrase,
       phrase]
    4: dance movements that are linked in a single choreographic
       sequence
    v 1: put into words or an expression; "He formulated his
         concerns to the board of trustees" [syn: give voice,
         formulate, word, phrase, articulate]
    2: divide, combine, or mark into phrases; "phrase a musical
       passage"

Phrase \Phrase\, n. [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology,
   Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak.]
   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.
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            "Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for
            the phrase.                           --Shak.
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   2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often
      employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to
      err is human.
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   3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any
      one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the
      hearth." --Tennyson.
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            Thou speak'st
            In better phrase and matter than thou didst. --Shak.
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   4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period.
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   Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods;
         these are subdivided into sections, and these into
         phrases.
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   Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. --J. S. Blackie.
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Phrase \Phrase\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Phrased; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Phrasing.] [Cf. F. phraser.]
   To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
   "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." --Shak.
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Phrase \Phrase\, v. i.
   1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
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   2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well.
      See Phrase, n., 4.
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