a. [ L. moratorius delaying, fr. morari to delay. ] Of or pertaining to delay; esp., designating a law passed, as in a time of financial panic, to postpone or delay for a period the time at which notes, bills of exchange, and other obligations, shall mature or become due. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

An oratory [ temple ] . . . in worship of Dian. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

When a world of men
Could not prevail with all their oratory. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]