El`o*cu"tion (?), n. [L. elocutio, fr. eloqui, elocutus, to speak out: cf. F. 'elocution. See Eloquent.]

1.

Utterance by speech.

[R.]

[Fruit] whose taste . . . Gave elocution to the mute, and taught The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise. Milton.

2.

Oratorical or expressive delivery, including the graces of intonation, gesture, etc.; style or manner of speaking or reading in public; as, clear, impressive elocution.

"The elocution of a reader."

Whately

3.

Suitable and impressive writing or style; eloquent diction.

[Obs.]

To express these thoughts with elocution. Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.