[f. as prec. + -ATION.] Walking round or about; fig. beating about the bush, indirect process.
1606. Wily Beguiled, in Hazl., Dodsley, IX. 321. Out of the profound circumambulation of my supernatural wit.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts (1673), 245. There are Horses so instructed, that they can stay themselves in their speediest course upon an instant, without any circumambulation.
1794. Godwin, Cal. Williams, 250. I was little disposed to unnecessary circumnambulation.
1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res., II. vi. He … begins a perambulation and circumambulation of the terraqueous Globe.
