Oratories

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Oratory \Or"a*to*ry\, 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]