Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Elocution
Elˊo-cu′tion
,Noun.
1.
Utterance by speech.
[R.]
[Fruit] whose taste . . .
Gave
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.
Gave
elocution
to the mute, and taughtThe tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.
Milton.
2.
Oratorical or expressive delivery, including the graces of intonation, gesture, etc.; style or manner of speaking or reading in public;
“The elocution of a reader.” as, clear, impressive
. elocution
Whately
3.
Suitable and impressive writing or style; eloquent diction.
[Obs.]
To express these thoughts with
elocution
. Dryden.
Webster 1828 Edition
Elocution
ELOCU'TION
,Noun.
1.
Pronunciation; the utterance or delivery of words, particularly in public discourses and arguments. We say of elocution, it is good or bad; clear, fluent or melodious.Elocution, which anciently embraced style and the whole art of rhetoric, now signifies manner of delivery.
2.
In rhetoric, elocution consists of elegance, composition and dignity; and Dryden uses the word as nearly synonymous with eloquence, the act of expressing thoughts with elegance or beauty.3.
Speech; the power of speaking.Whose taste--gave elocution to the mute.
4.
In ancient treatises on oratory, the wording of a discourse; the choice and order of words; composition; the act of framing a writing or discourse.