[syn: declaim, inveigh]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Declaim \De*claim"\, v. t.
1. To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set
manner.
[1913 Webster]
2. To defend by declamation; to advocate loudly. [Obs.]
"Declaims his cause." --South.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Declaim \De*claim"\ (d[-e]*kl[=a]m"), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
Declaimed (d[-e]*kl[=a]md"); p. pr. & vb. n. Declaiming.]
[L. declamare; de- + clamare to cry out: cf. F. d['e]clamer.
See Claim.]
1. To speak rhetorically; to make a formal speech or oration;
to harangue; specifically, to recite a speech, poem, etc.,
in public as a rhetorical exercise; to practice public
speaking; as, the students declaim twice a week.
[1913 Webster]
2. To speak for rhetorical display; to speak pompously,
noisily, or theatrically; to make an empty speech; to
rehearse trite arguments in debate; to rant.
[1913 Webster]
Grenville seized the opportunity to declaim on the
repeal of the stamp act. --Bancroft.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
declaim
v 1: recite in elocution [syn: declaim, recite]
2: speak against in an impassioned manner; "he declaimed against
the wasteful ways of modern society" [syn: declaim,
inveigh]