oratory1

[awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or-] /ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr-/
noun
1.
skill or eloquence in public speaking:
The evangelist moved thousands to repentance with his oratory.
2.
the art of public speaking, especially in a formal and eloquent manner.
Origin
1580-90; < Latin ōrātōria, noun use of feminine of ōrātōrius of an orator. See orator, -tory1
Synonyms
1. rhetoric, delivery, declamation.

oratory2

[awr-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, or-] /ˈɔr əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒr-/
noun, plural oratories.
1.
a place of prayer, as a small chapel or a room for private devotions.
2.
(initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church. any of the religious societies of secular priests who live in religious communities but do not take vows.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English < Late Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer. See orator, -tory2
Examples from the web for oratory
  • Rhetoric has moved from oratory and public speaking to writing, and to speaking as a preparation for writing.
  • His oratory and his philosophy made him known to millions.
  • It might be noted, too, that there has been no dearth of primary oratory re the environment and health and medicine.
  • When people are asked to list their favorite metaphor, they typically cite great works of poetry, literature or oratory.
  • His booming voice, practised oratory and bounteous promises send a hush through the crowd.
  • The only reason people remember oratory is because of what happens.
  • The daily press was scathing about what was-dodgy stage-management aside-a dreary, earthbound slab of oratory.
  • One who regularly articulates in fine oratory fashion all the obvious and nuanced beliefs this vast and disparate group hold dear.
  • He cut a dashing figure in his fatigues and red beret, and peasants at all-night rallies found his oratory entrancing.
  • Political oratory in particular has degenerated into an exceedingly inferior art form.
British Dictionary definitions for oratory

oratory1

/ˈɒrətərɪ; -trɪ/
noun
1.
the art of public speaking
2.
rhetorical skill or style
Derived Forms
oratorical, adjective
oratorically, adverb
Word Origin
C16: from Latin (ars) ōrātōria (the art of) public speaking

oratory2

/ˈɒrətərɪ; -trɪ/
noun (pl) -ries
1.
a small room or secluded place, set apart for private prayer
Word Origin
C14: from Anglo-Norman, from Church Latin ōrātōrium place of prayer, from ōrāre to plead, pray

Oratory

/ˈɒrətərɪ; -trɪ/
noun (RC Church)
1.
Also called Congregation of the Oratory. the religious society of secular priests (Oratorians) living in a community founded by St Philip Neri
2.
any church belonging to this society: the Brompton Oratory
Word Origin and History for oratory
n.

"formal public speaking, the art of eloquence," 1580s, from Latin (ars) oratoria "oratorical (art)," fem. of oratorius "of speaking or pleading, pertaining to an orator," from orare "to speak, pray, plead" (see orator).

"small chapel," c.1300, from Old French oratorie and directly from Late Latin oratorium "place of prayer" (especially the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Rome, where musical services were presented), noun use of an adjective, as in oratorium templum, from neuter of Latin oratorius "of or for praying," from orare "to pray, plead, speak" (see orator).