Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EL-O-CU'TION, n. [L. elocutio, from eloquor; e and loquor, to speak, Gr. ληκεω, λακεω.]

1. Pronunciation; the utterance or delivery of words, particularly in public discourses and arguments. We say of elocution, it is good or bad; clear, fluent or melodious. Elocution, which anciently embraced style and the whole act of rhetoric, now signifies manner of delivery. E. Porter.
2. In rhetoric, elocution consists of elegance, composition and dignity; and Dryden uses the word as nearly synonymous with eloquence, the act of expressing thoughts with elegance or beauty.
3. Speech; the power of speaking. Whose taste – gave elocution to the mute. Milton.
4. In ancient treatises on oratory, the wording of a discourse; the choice and order of words; composition; the act of framing a writing or discourse. Cicero. Quinctilian.