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.
An oratory... in worship of Dian. Chaucer.
Do not omit thy prayers for want of a good oratory, or place to pray in. Jer. Taylor.
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.