[ L. prae, adv. & prep., before, akin to pro, and to E. for, prep.: cf. F. pré-. See Pro-, and cf. Prior. ] A prefix denoting priority (of time, place, or rank);
n. Previous accusation. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. & n. Press. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i.
How shall they preach, except they be sent? Rom. x. 15. [ 1913 Webster ]
From that time Jesus began to preach. Matt. iv. 17. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
That Cristes gospel truly wolde preche. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. Isa. lxi. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]
My master preaches patience to him. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
To preach down,
To preach up,
n. [ Cf. F. prêche, fr. prêcher. See Preach, v. ] A religious discourse. [ Obs. ] Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. OF. preeschierre, prescheur, F. prêcheur, L. praedicator. ]
How shall they hear without a preacher? Rom. x. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]
No preacher is listened to but Time. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
Preacher bird (Zool.),
n. The office of a preacher. “The preachership of the Rolls.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. [ Preach + -fy. ] To discourse in the manner of a preacher. [ Colloq. ] Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The act of delivering a religious discourse; the art of sermonizing; also, a sermon; a public religious discourse; serious, earnest advice. Milner. [ 1913 Webster ]
Preaching cross,
Preaching friars.