Dictionary definitions
- Enter a word for the dictionary definition.
oration
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Oration \O*ra"tion\, v. i. To deliver an oration. --Donne. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Oration \O*ra"tion\, n.[L. oratio, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray. See Oral, Orison.] An elaborate discourse, delivered in public, treating an important subject in a formal and dignified manner; especially, a discourse having reference to some special occasion, as a funeral, an anniversary, a celebration, or the like; -- distinguished from an argument in court, a popular harangue, a sermon, a lecture, etc.; as, Webster's oration at Bunker Hill. [1913 Webster] The lord archbishop . . . made a long oration. --Bacon. [1913 Webster] Syn: Address; speech. See Harangue. [1913 Webster]

