† rheˈtorian, n. and a. Obs.
In 4–5 rethorien, -yen, 5 retoryan.
[a. OF. rethorien (rect-), f. med.L. *rethoria rhetory: see -ian.]
A. n. = rhetorician.
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. ii. pr. iii. (1868) 38 Þou rethorien or pronouncere of kynges preysinges. c 1430 Life St. Kath. (1884) 54 And sent out lettres..vnto alle rethoriens and gramariens. 1447 O. Bokenham Seyntys (Roxb.) 41 The firsh rethoryens Gowere, Chauncere & now Lytgate. 1483 Cath. Angl. 305/2 Retoryan, rethor, rethoricus. |
B. adj. = rhetorical. [So OF.]
| c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. ii. pr. i. (1868) 30 Þe suasioun of swetnesse Rethoryen. |