American Dictionary of the English Language

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Speech


SPEECH, noun

1. The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds. speech was given to man by his Creator for the noblest purposes.

2. Language; words as expressing ideas. The acts of God to human ears cannot without process of speech be told.

3. A particular language, as distinct form others. Psalms 19:2.

4. That which is spoken; words uttered in connection and expressing thoughts. You smile at my speech

5. Talk; mention; common saying. The duke did of me demand, what was the speech among the londoners concerning the French journey.

6. Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. The member has made his first speech in the legislature.

7. Any declaration of thoughts. I, with leave of speech implor'd, repli'd.

SPEECH, verb intransitive To make a speech; to harangue. [Little Used.]