Hypertext Webster Gateway: "rhetoric"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Rhetoric \Rhet"o*ric\, n. [F. rh['e]torique, 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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
rhetoric
n 1: using language effectively to please or persuade
2: high flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
[syn: {grandiosity}, {magniloquence}, {grandiloquence}]
3: loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric" [syn: {palaver},
{hot air}, {empty words}, {empty talk}]
4: study of the technique and rules for using language
effectively (especially in public speaking)
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