Some expressions in english

I'd like to know if somebody can help me with the meaning of the following expressions: "round and about" and "held and turned", shown in the contexts
below:
The war became a consuming fire 'round and about' the world, causing losses both to victors and vanquished out of all proportion to the issues involved.

The first phase of the war was a tremendous rush of the Germans upon Paris and an invasion of East Prussia by the Russians. Both attacks were 'held and turned.'
Thanks,
HCD

"around and about" is to be completely surrounded, as in an out-of-control fire that threatens your life.