O*ra"tion (?), n.[L. oratio, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray. See Oral, Orison.] An elaborate discourse, delivered in public, treating an important subject in a formal and dignified manner; especially, a discourse having reference to some special occasion, as a funeral, an anniversary, a celebration, or the like; -- distinguished from an argument in court, a popular harangue, a sermon, a lecture, etc.; as, Webster's oration at Bunker Hill.

The lord archbishop . . . made a long oration.

Syn. -- Address; speech. See Harangue.

O*ra"tion, v. i. To deliver an oration. Donne.

• a formal ceremonial speech