Or"a*to*ry, n. [L. oratoria (sc.
ars) the oratorical art.] 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.Or"a*to*ry (?), n.; pl.
Oratories (#). [OE. oratorie, fr. L.
oratorium, fr. oratorius of praying, of an orator: cf.
F. oratoire. See Orator, Oral, and cf.
Oratorio.] A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a
chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.
An oratory [temple] . . . in worship of
Dian.
Chaucer.
Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good
oratory, or place to pray in.
Jer.
Taylor.
Fathers of the Oratory (R. C. Ch.), a
society of priests founded by St. Philip Neri, living in community,
and not bound by a special vow. The members are called also
oratorians.