a. [f. Gr. εὔφημ-ος (see EUPHEMIOUS) + -IST + -IC.] Pertaining to euphemism; of the nature of a euphemism; containing a euphemism.
1856. Sat. Rev., II. 265/2. He is entitled to claim, or to negotiate, or to arrange—or whatever euphemistic phrase may be more suitable—for a retiring competency equal to the third of the revenue of his see.
1876. Freeman, Norm. Conq., V. 18. The euphemistic spirit goes so far … that the Norman owner is spoken of as the ‘heir’ of the Englishman who had been turned out.
1877. Outlines Hist. Religion, 149. Rudra … under his euphemistic name of Siva.
Hence Euphemistical a. = prec. Euphemistically adv., by way of euphemism.
1879. M. Arnold, Ess., Falkland, 220. Such is Clarendon’s euphemistical phrase for poor and proud men of letters.
1860. in J. A. Hessey, Notes Bampton Lect., 473. Whisky, (euphemistically termed refreshment).
1874. Deutsch, Rem., 365. R. Joseph bar Chama, the Blind, euphemistically called the clear-sighted.
