text: Main Entry : epis · tro · phe Pronunciation : i- ' pis-tr & - ( " ) fE Function : noun Etymology : Greek epistrophE , literally , turning about , from epi - + strophE turning -- more at STROPHE : repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases , clauses , sentences , or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect ( as Lincoln 's `` of the people , by the people , for the people '' ) -- compare ANAPHORA