Phrase, n.
Etymology: [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology, Gr.
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. "Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for the phrase. Shak.
2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the hearth." Tennyson. Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou didst. Shak.
4. (Mus.)
2 more senses
A short clause or portion of a period.
Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases. Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. J. S. Blackie.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Phrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Phrasing.]
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." Shak.
Phrase, v. i.
1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
2. (Mus.)
To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for phrase; he lists it under diction, term.
Where he writes about it:
Phrase and phraseology apply to words or combinations of words which are somewhat technical; as, in legal phraseology; in military phrase. — from diction
Thus, in general use term is more restricted than word, expression, or phrase; a term is a word that limits meaning to a fixed point of statement or to a special class of subjects, as when we speak of the definition of terms, that is of the key-words in any discussion; or we say, that is a legal or scientific term. — from term