† ˈrhetory Sc. Obs.
Also 5–6 r(h)ethorie, retory.
[ad. late L. *rethoria, *rhetoria, a. Gr. ῥητορεία, f. ῥήτωρ rhetor.]
Rhetoric; eloquence.
| c 1480 Henryson Mor. Fab. Prol. 3 Thair polite termis of sweit Rhetorie [v.rr. rethorie, retory] Richt plesand ar vnto the eir of man. 1500–20 Dunbar Poems lxv. 10 The eloquence of ornat rethorie. 1501 Douglas Pal. Hon. i. i, Schaw thy endite reprufe of rethoryis. |