Rhēt'o-ric, n.
(rēt'o-rik, 123), n. [Gr. ῥητορική (sc. τέχνη), fr. ῥητορικός, rhetorical, oratorical; Lat. rhetorica, It. & Sp. retorica, Fr. rhetorique. See infra.]
Sense 1. The art of composition; especially the art of elegant and accurate composition in prose.
Sense 2. The science of oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force. Locke.
Sense 3. Hence, artificial eloquence, as opposed to that which is real.
Sense 4. The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms.
Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes. Daniel.