Preach (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Preached (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Preaching.] [OE. prechen, OF. preechier, F. prêcher, 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.
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How shall they preach, except they be sent? Rom. x. 15.
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From that time Jesus began to preach. Matt. iv. 17.
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2. To give serious advice on morals or religion; to discourse in the manner of a preacher.
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Preach, n. [Cf. F. prêche, fr. prêcher. See Preach, v.] A religious discourse. [Obs.] Hooker.
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