Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPEECH, n. [Sax. spæc. See Speak.]

1. The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds. Speech was given to man by his Creator for the noblest purposes.
2. Language; words as expressing ideas. The acts of God to human ears / Can not without process of speech be told. – Milton.
3. A particular language, as distinct from others. – Ps. xix.
4. That which is spoken; words uttered in connection and expressing thoughts. You smile at my speech.
5. Talk; mention; common saying. The duke did of me demand, / What was the speech among the Londoners / Concerning the French journey. – Shak.
6. Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. The member has made his first speech in the legislature.
7. Any declaration of thoughts. I, with leave of speech implor'd, replied. – Milton.