Speech

n. [A-S. spræc, spæc, L. Ger. sprake, D. spraak, O. H. Ger. sprâhha, N. H. Ger. sprache, Sw. språh, Dan. sprog. See SPEAK.]

1. The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking.
2. That which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language.

The acts of God to human ears Can not without process of speech be told. Milton. 3. A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Ps. xix. 3. 4. Talk; mention; common saying. The duke did of me demand What was the speech among the Londoners Concerning the French journey. Shak. 5. A formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point. Swift. 6. Any declaration of thoughts. I, with leave of speech implored, replied. Milton. Syn. — Harangue; language; address; oration. See HARANGUE and LANGUAGE.