■ noun
1》 an educational talk to an audience, especially one of students in a university.
2》 a long serious speech, especially one given as a scolding or reprimand.
■ verb
1》 deliver an educational ~ or ~s.
2》 talk seriously or reprovingly to.
Origin
ME (in the sense 'reading, a text to read'): from OFr., or from med. L. lectura , from L. lect- , legere 'read, choose'.