Figure of Speech
Periphrasis
From Greek periphrasis: around-speaking. Valued in epic (Homeric periphrases); criticised in plain-style rhetoric. The kenning is a specialised poetic periphrasis.
Definition
A roundabout expression that uses more words than necessary — a circumlocution often used for elevation or euphemism.
Example
'The watery main' for sea; 'the lord of rings' for king; 'the taking of life' for killing.