Preach — Defs

01 v. i. To proclaim or publish tidings; specifically, to proclaim the gospel; to discourse publicly on a religious subject, or from a text of Scrip…

imp. & p. p. Preached; p. pr. & vb. n. Preaching

1.
To proclaim or publish tidings; specifically, to proclaim the gospel; to discourse publicly on a religious subject, or from a text of Scripture; to deliver a sermon.
“How shall they preach, except they be sent?” — Rom. x. 15.

“From that time Jesus began to preach.” — Matt. iv. 17.
2.
To give serious advice on morals or religion; to discourse in the manner of a preacher.

02 v. t. To proclaim by public discourse; to utter in a sermon or a formal religious harangue.

1.
To proclaim by public discourse; to utter in a sermon or a formal religious harangue.
“That Cristes gospel truly wolde preche.” — Chaucer.

“The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek.” — Isa. lxi. 1.
2.
To inculcate in public discourse; to urge with earnestness by public teaching.
3.
To deliver or pronounce; as, to preach a sermon.
4.
To teach or instruct by preaching; to inform by preaching.[R.]
5.
To advise or recommend earnestly.
“My master preaches patience to him.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

To preach down — to oppress, or humiliate by preaching.

To preach up — to exalt by preaching; to preach in support of; as, to preach up equality.

03 n. A religious discourse.