
Elocution
ELOCU'TION, noun [Latin elocutio, from eloquor; e and loquor, to speak.]
1. Pronunciation; the utterance or delivery of words, particularly in public discourses and arguments. We say of elocution it is good or bad; clear, fluent or melodious.
Elocution, which anciently embraced style and the whole art of rhetoric, now signifies manner of delivery.
2. In rhetoric, elocution consists of elegance, composition and dignity; and Dryden uses the word as nearly synonymous with eloquence, the act of expressing thoughts with elegance or beauty.
3. Speech; the power of speaking.
Whose taste--gave elocution to the mute.
4. In ancient treatises on oratory, the wording of a discourse; the choice and order of words; composition; the act of framing a writing or discourse.