Rhet″o‐ric (?), n. [F. rhétorique, L. rhetorica, Gr. ���� (sc. ���), fr. ��� rhetorical, oratorical, fr. ��� orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word; cf. ��� to say.] 1. The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in prose.
2. Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and force. Locke.
3. Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation without conviction or earnest feeling.
4. Fig.: The power of persuasion or attraction; that which allures or charms.
Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes. Daniel.