Definition of "circumlocutory"

Periphrase is another great aid to prolixity; being a diffused circumlocutory manner of expressing a known idea, which should be so mysteriously couched, as to give the reader the pleasure of guessing what it is, that the author can possibly mean; and a strange surprise, when he finds it.

1727, Jonathan Swift (attributed), Martinus Scriblerus, or the Art of Sinking In Poetry

Rachel's talks with the vicar were frequent; and poor little Mrs. William Wylder, who knew not the reason of his visits, fell slowly, and to the good man's entire bewilderment, into a chronic jealousy. It expressed itself enigmatically; it was circumlocutory, sad, and mysterious.

1864, J[oseph] Sheridan Le Fanu, chapter LII, in Wylder’s Hand. […], New York, N.Y.: Carleton, […], published 1865

Another common type of error is a circumlocutory error, when the patient describes the item in several words (e.g., describing a beaver as "an animal that eats trees").

2000, Joanne Green, Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Older Adult