euphuism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any artificially elegant style of language
  2. noun an elegant style of prose of the Elizabethan period; characterized by balance and antithesis and alliteration and extended similes with and allusions to nature and mythology

WordNet

Eu"phu*ism noun
Etymology
Gr. well grown, graceful; well + growth, fr. to grow. This affected style of conversation and writing, fashionable for some time in the court of Elizabeth, had its origin from the fame of Lyly's books, "Euphues, or the Anatomy of Wit," and "Euphues and his England."
Definitions
  1. (Rhet.) An affectation of excessive elegance and refinement of language; high-flown diction.

Webster 1913