Ōr'a-to-ry, n.
n. [Fr. oratoire, Pr. oratori, Sp. & It. oratoria, oratorio, Lat. oratoria (sc. ars), the oratorical art, oratorium (sc. templum), a place of prayer, from oratorius, belonging to an orator, belonging to praying. See supra.]
Sense 1. The art of an orator; the art of public speaking in an eloquent or effective manner; the exercise of rhetorical skill in oral discourse; eloquence. “The oratory of Greece and Rome.” Milton.
When a world of men Could not prevail with all their oratory. Shak.
Sense 2. A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.
Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in. Bp. Taylor.
Seek in domestic oratory small For prayer in stillness. Wordsworth.
Priests of the oratory (Rom. Cath. Church), a society of priests founded by St. Philip of Neri, living in community without being bound by special vow.