SPEECH, noun 1. The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds. speech was given to man by his Creator for the noblest purposes. 2. Language; words as expressing ideas. The acts of God to human ears cannot without process of speech be told. 3. A particular language, as distinct form others. Psalms 19:2. 4. That which is spoken; words uttered in connection and expressing thoughts. You smile at my speech 5. Talk; mention; common saying. The duke did of me demand, what was the speech among the londoners concerning the French journey. 6. Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. The member has made his first speech in the legislature. 7. Any declaration of thoughts. I, with leave of speech implor'd, repli'd. SPEECH, verb intransitive To make a speech; to harangue. [Little used.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI