Definition of: euphuism

(y′fy·iz′əm) noun
1. An affectation of elegance in writing; a high-flown periphrastic style, such as that of John Lyly.
2. An instance of such a style.
3. Affected elegance in dress, etc. [after Euphues, character created by John Lyly]
—eu′phu·ist noun
—eu′phu·is′tic or ·ti·cal adjective
—eu′phu·is′ti·cal·ly adverb