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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Declaim

De-clāim', v. i.

verbintransitive

[imp. & p. p. DECLAIMED; p. pr. & vb. n. DECLAIMING.] [Lat. declamare, from de and clamare, to cry out; Fr. déclamer, Sp. declamar, It. declamare. See CLAIM.]

  1. To speak rhetorically; to speak a set oration in public; to make a formal speech or oration; to speak in public as a rhetorical exercise; to harangue; as, the students declaim twice a week.
  2. To speak or talk for rhetorical display; to speak pompously and elaborately, without sincerity; to rant.

Grenville seized the opportunity to declaim on the repeal of the stamp act. Bancroft.

De-clāim', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. 1. To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set manner; to speak in a rhetorical manner.

Sense 2. To speak in favor of; to advocate. [Obs.] “Declaims his cause.” South.