Dictionary
or•a•to•ry
Pronunciation: (ôr'u-tôr"ē, -tōr"ē, or'-), [key]
—
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.
or•a•to•ry
Pronunciation: (ôr'u-tôr"ē, -tōr"ē, or'-), [key]
—
n.,
—pl. -ries.
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.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
