Rhet"o*ric (?), n. [F. rhétorique, 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.
Hear it pronounced