Oratory — Defs

01 n. A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.

pl. Oratories ((#))

1.
A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.
“An oratory [temple] . . . in worship of Dian.” — Chaucer.

“Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in.” — Jer. Taylor.

Phrases & compounds

Fathers of the Oratory — a society of priests founded by St. Philip Neri, living in community, and not bound by a special vow. The members are called also oratorians.

02 n. The art of an orator; the art of public speaking in an eloquent or effective manner; the exercise of rhetorical skill in oral discourse; el…

1.
The art of an orator; the art of public speaking in an eloquent or effective manner; the exercise of rhetorical skill in oral discourse; eloquence.
“When a world of men Could not prevail with all their oratory.” — Shak.