DISCOURSE, n. Discors. [L., to run.] 1. The act of the undertaking, by which it passes from premises to consequences; the act which connects propositions, and deduces conclusions from them. [This sense is now obsolete.]2. Literally, a running over a subject in speech; hence, a communication of thoughts by words, either to individuals, to companies, or to public assemblies. Discourse to an individual or to a small company is called conversation or talk; mutual interchange or thoughts; mutual intercourse of language. It is applied to the familiar communication of thoughts by an individual, or to the mutual communication of two or more. We say, I was pleased with his discourse, and he heard our discourse.The vanquished party with the victors joined, nor wanted sweet discourse, the banquet of the mind.3. Effusion of language; speech.4. A written treatise; a formal dissertation; as the discourse of Plutarch on garrulity; of Cicero on old age.5. A sermon, uttered or written. We say, an extemporaneous discourse, or a written discourse.DISCOURSE, v.i. 1. To talk; to converse; to but it expresses rather more formality than talk. He discoursed with us an hour on the events of the war. We discoursed together on our mutual concerns.2. To communicate thoughts or ideas in a formal manner; to treat upon in a solemn, set manner; as, to discourse on the properties of the circle; the preacher discoursed on the nature and effects of faith.3. To reason; to pass from premises to consequences.DISCOURSE, v.t. To treat of; to talk over; to discuss. [Not used.] Let use discourse our fortunes. |
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
