Or"a*tor (?), n. [L., fr. orare
to speak, utter. See Oration.] 1. A
public speaker; one who delivers an oration; especially, one
distinguished for his skill and power as a public speaker; one who is
eloquent.
I am no orator, as Brutus is.
Shak.
Some orator renowned
In Athens or free Rome.
Milton.
2. (Law) (a) In equity
proceedings, one who prays for relief; a petitioner.
(b) A plaintiff, or complainant, in a bill in
chancery. Burrill.
3. (Eng. Universities) An officer who
is the voice of the university upon all public occasions, who writes,
reads, and records all letters of a public nature, presents, with an
appropriate address, those persons on whom honorary degrees are to be
conferred, and performs other like duties; -- called also public
orator.
