Oratory \Or"a*to*ry\, n.; pl. Oratories. [OE. oratorie, fr. L. oratorium, fr. oratorius of praying, of an orator: cf. F. oratoire. See Orator, Oral, and cf. Oratorio.]

A place of orisons, or prayer; especially, a chapel or small room set apart for private devotions.

An oratory [temple] . . . in worship of Dian. --Chaucer.

Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in. --Jer. Taylor.

Fathers of the Oratory (R. C. Ch.), a society of priests founded by St. Philip Neri, living in community, and not bound by a special vow. The members are called also oratorians.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Oratory \Or"a*to*ry\, n. [L. oratoria (sc. ars) the oratorical art.]

The art of an orator; the art of public speaking in an eloquent or effective manner; the exercise of rhetorical skill in oral discourse; eloquence. ``The oratory of Greece and Rome.'' --Milton.

When a world of men Could not prevail with all their oratory. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)