Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Preach?

\Preach\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Preached}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Preaching}.] [OE. prechen, OF. preechier, F. pr[^e]cher, fr. L. praedicare to cry in public, to proclaim; prae before + dicare to make known, dicere to say; or perhaps from (assumed) LL. praedictare. See {Diction}, and cf. {Predicate}, {Predict}.] 1. To proclaim or publish tidings; specifically, to proclaim the gospel; to discourse publicly on a religious subject, or from a text of Scripture; to deliver a sermon. How shall they preach, except they be sent? --Rom. x. 15. From that time Jesus began to preach. --Matt. iv. 17. 2. To give serious advice on morals or religion; to discourse in the manner of a preacher.
\Preach\, v. t. 1. To proclaim by public discourse; to utter in a sermon or a formal religious harangue. That Cristes gospel truly wolde preche. --Chaucer. The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. --Isa. lxi. 1. 2. To inculcate in public discourse; to urge with earnestness by public teaching. ``I have preached righteousness in the great congregation.'' --Ps. xl. 9. 3. To deliver or pronounce; as, to preach a sermon. 4. To teach or instruct by preaching; to inform by preaching. [R.] ``As ye are preached.'' --Southey. 5. To advise or recommend earnestly. My master preaches patience to him. --Shak. {To preach down}, to oppress, or humiliate by preaching. --Tennyson. {To preach up}, to exalt by preaching; to preach in support of; as, to preach up equality.
\Preach\, n. [Cf. F. pr[^e]che, fr. pr[^e]cher. See {Preach}, v.] A religious discourse. [Obs.] --Hooker.