2. A mythical serpent. [Obs.] Milton.
ELOQUENCE
El"o*quence, n. Etym: [F. éloquence, L. eloquentia, fr. eloquens. See
Eloquent.]
1. Fluent, forcible, elegant, and persuasive speech in public; the power of expressing strong emotions in striking and appropriate language either spoken or written, thereby producing conviction or persuasion. Eloquence is speaking out . . . out of the abundance of the heart. Hare.
2. Fig.: Whatever produces the effect of moving and persuasive speech. Silence that spoke and eloquence of eyes. Pope. The hearts of men are their books; events are their tutors; great actions are their eloquence. Macaulay.
3. That which is eloquently uttered or written. O, let my books be then the eloquence And dumb presagers of my speaking breast. Shak.
Syn.
— Oratory; rhetoric.
ELOQUENT El"o*quent, a. Etym: [F. éloquent, L. eloquens, -entis, p. pr. of eloqui to speak out, declaim; e + loqui to speak. See Loquacious.]
1. Having the power of expressing strong emotions or forcible arguments in an elevated, impassioned, and effective manner; as, an eloquent orator or preacher. O Death, all-eloquent! You only prove What dust we dote on when 't is man we love. Pope.
2. Adapted to express strong emotion or to state facts arguments with fluency and power; as, an eloquent address or statement; an eloquent appeal to a jury.
ELOQUENTLY
El"o*quent*ly, adv.