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| n. 1. Verbal expression in speech or writing: political discourse. 2. a. Verbal exchange or conversation: listened to their discourse on foreign policy. b. A series of connected remarks about a subject. 3. A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken. 4. Archaic The process or power of reasoning. v. (dĭ-skôrs) dis·coursed, dis·cours·ing, dis·cours·es v. intr. 1. To speak or write formally and at length. See Synonyms at speak. 2. To engage in conversation or discussion; converse: “The two men walked around the city and discoursed on its antiquities” (Michael Wood). v. tr. Archaic To narrate or discuss. [Middle English discours, process of reasoning, from Medieval Latin discursus, from Latin, a running about, from past participle of discurrere, to run about : dis-, apart; see DIS- + currere, to run; see kers- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] dis·courser n. |
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