allocution

[ al-uh-kyoo-shuhn ]
See synonyms for allocution on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a formal speech, especially one of an incontrovertible or hortatory nature.

  2. a pronouncement delivered by the pope to a secret consistory, especially on a matter of policy or of general importance.

Origin of allocution

1
1605–15; <Latin allocūtiōn- (stem of allocūtiō), equivalent to allocūt(us), past participle of alloquī to speak to, address (al-al- + locū- speak + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn--ion

Words Nearby allocution

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How to use allocution in a sentence

  • This allocution, pronounced by advocate Desmarais with every appearance of great tenderness, moved the people.

  • The Pontifical allocution unmasked the falsehood, but did not change the condition of affairs.

    The War Upon Religion | Rev. Francis A. Cunningham
  • I regard this as a perfect allocution of words in regard to the arrangement both for the ear and for the intellect.

    The Life of Cicero | Anthony Trollope
  • This allocution calls to mind Spainʼs last struggle with Mexico.

    The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
  • He rose gracefully and waved his glass of claret, while all the others waited eagerly for the coming allocution.

    The Two Brothers | Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for allocution

allocution

/ (ˌæləˈkjuːʃən) /


noun
  1. rhetoric a formal or authoritative speech or address, esp one that advises, informs, or exhorts

Origin of allocution

1
C17: from Late Latin allocūtiō, from Latin alloquī to address, from loquī to speak

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012