Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Oratory
Or′a-to-ry
,Noun.
pl.
Oratories
(#)
. [OE.
oratorie
, fr. L. oratorium
, fr. oratorius
of praying, of an orator: cf. F. oratoire
. See Orator
, Oral
, and cf. Oratorio
.] A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.
An
oratory
[temple] . . . in worship of Dian. Chaucer.
Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good
oratory
, or place to pray in. Jer. Taylor.
Fathers of the Oratory
(R. C. Ch.)
, a society of priests founded by St. Philip Neri, living in community, and not bound by a special vow. The members are called also
oratorians
.Or′a-to-ry
,Noun.
[L.
oratoria
(sc. ars
) the oratorical art.] The art of an orator; the art of public speaking in an eloquent or effective manner; the exercise of rhetorical skill in oral discourse; eloquence.
“The oratory of Greece and Rome.” Milton.
When a world of men
Could not prevail with all their
Could not prevail with all their
oratory
. Shakespeare
Webster 1828 Edition
Oratory
OR'ATORY
,Noun.
1.
The art of speaking well, or of speaking according to the rules of rhetoric, in order to persuade. To constitute oratory, the speaking must be just and pertinent to the subject; it must be methodical, all parts of the discourse being disposed in due order and connection; and it must be embellished with the beauties of language and pronounced with eloquence. Oratory consists of four parts, invention, disposition, elocution, and pronunciation.2.
Exercise of eloquence.3.
Among the Romanists, a close apartment near a bed-chamber, furnished with an altar, a crucifix, &c. for private devotions.4.
A place allotted for prayer, or a place for public worship.Definition 2024
oratory
oratory
English
Noun
oratory (uncountable)
- (uncountable) The art of public speaking, especially in a formal, expressive, or forceful manner.
- (uncountable) Eloquence; the quality of artistry and persuasiveness in speech or writing.
Synonyms
- (art of public speaking): public speaking
Translations
art of public speaking
eloquence — see eloquence
Etymology 2
From Anglo-Norman oratorie, Middle French oratoire, and their source, Late Latin ōrātōrium.
Noun
oratory (plural oratories)
- (countable) A private chapel.
- Jeremy Taylor
- Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in.
- Jeremy Taylor
- (countable) A large Roman Catholic church.
Translations
private chapel