Rhet"o*ric (?), n. [F. rh'etorique, L. rhetorica, Gr. (sc. ), fr. rhetorical, oratorical, fr. orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word; cf. to say.]
1.
The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in prose.
2.
Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force.
Locke.
3.
Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling.
4.
Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms.
Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes.
Daniel.
© Webster 1913.