oratory 1
/awr"euh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee, or"-/ , n.
1. skill or eloquence in public speaking: The evangelist moved thousands to repentance with his oratory.
2. the art of public speaking, esp. in a formal and eloquent manner.
[ 1580-90; oratoria, n. use of fem. of oratorius of an orator. See ORATOR, -TORY 1 ]
Syn. 1. rhetoric, delivery, declamation.
oratory 2
/awr"euh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee, or"-/ , n. , pl. oratories .
1. a place of prayer, as a small chapel or a room for private devotions.
2. ( cap. ) Rom. Cath. Ch. any of the religious societies of secular priests who live in religious communities but do not take vows.
[ 1300-50; ME oratorium place of prayer. See ORATOR, -TORY 2 ]