Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EL'O-QUENCE, n. [L. eloquentia, from eloquor, loquor, to speak; Gr. ληκεω, λακεω, to crack, to sound, to speak. The primary sense is probably to burst with a sound, for the Gr. has λακις, a fissure, from the same root; whence λακιζω, to open or split; whence L. lacero, to tear; and hence perhaps Eng. a leak. Qu. the root of clack. See Class Lg, No. 51, 57.]

1. The expression of strong emotion, in a manner adapted to excite correspondent emotions in others. The word, in its best extensive signification, comprehends every mode in which deep feeling may be expressed, either by words, tones, looks or gestures. Eloquence therefore requires, in its most perfect form, a vigorous understanding, a glowing imagination, appropriate and rich language, with fluency, animation and suitable action. Hence, eloquence is adapted to please, affect and persuade. Demosthenes in Greece, Cicero in Rome, Lord Chatham and Burke in Great Britain, and Fisher Ames in the United States, were distinguished for their eloquence in declamation and debate.
2. The power of expressing strong emotions with fluency and force.
3. Forcible language, which gives utterance to deep emotion. She uttereth piercing eloquence. Shak.
4. It is sometimes applied to written language.