̈ɪˈɔrətərɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1
the art or
practice of
formal speaking,
esp. in
public. 2 exaggerated,
eloquent, or
highly coloured language. 3 a
small chapel, esp.
for private worship. 4 (Oratory) RC
Ch. a a
religious society of priests
without vows founded in Rome in 1564
and providing plain preaching and
popular services. b a
branch of
this in England etc. øøoratorian adj. & n. oratorical adj. [senses 1 and 2 f. L ars oratoria art of speaking; senses 3 and 4 ME f. AF oratorie, OF oratoire f. eccl.L oratorium:
both f. L oratorius f. orare
pray, speak]