phrase book

2 definitions found

phrase book - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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 book - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  phrase book
      n 1: a book containing common expressions in a foreign language
           along with their translations