n. & v.
--n.
1. a discourse giving information about a subject to a class or other audience.
2 a long serious speech esp. as a scolding or reprimand.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by on) deliver a lecture or lectures.
2 tr. talk seriously or reprovingly to (a person).
3 tr. instruct or entertain (a class or other audience) by a lecture.
Etymology: ME f. OF lecture or med.L lectura f. L (as LECTOR)