Noun

(en noun)

A short written or spoken expression.

(grammar) A word or group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-11-30, volume=409, issue=8864, magazine=(The Economist), author=Paul Davis

, title= Letters: Say it as simply as possible , passage=Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“ On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia?}}

(music) A small section of music in a larger piece.

(archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.

* Tennyson

phrases of the hearth

* Shakespeare

Thou speak'st / In better phrase and matter than thou didst.

Noun

(en noun)

The manner, posture, or pose in which one stands.

The fencer’s stance showed he was ready to begin.

One’s opinion or point of view.

I don’t agree with your stance on gun control.

* {{quote-news

, year=2012 , date=April 23 , author=Angelique Chrisafis , title=François Hollande on top but far right scores record result in French election , work=the Guardian citation , page= , passage=His stance as being against the world of finance and his proposal of a 75% tax on incomes over €1m (£817,000) was approved by a majority in polls. He was convinced that his more measured, if ploddingly serious, style would win out with an electorate tired of Sarkozy's bling and frenetic policy initiatives.}}

(Scotland) A station; a position; a site; a stopping place for buses at a bus station

(Sir Walter Scott)

(obsolete) A stanza.

(Chapman)