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.
Derivatives:
oratorian adj. & n. oratorical adj.
Etymology: 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