Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Declaim \De*claim"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Declaimed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Declaiming}.] [L. declamare; de- + clamare to cry
out: cf. F. d['e]clamer. See {Claim}.]
1. To speak rhetorically; to make a formal speech or oration;
to harangue; specifically, to recite a speech, poem, etc.,
in public as a rhetorical exercise; to practice public
speaking; as, the students declaim twice a week.
2. To speak for rhetorical display; to speak pompously,
noisily, or theatrically; to make an empty speech; to
rehearse trite arguments in debate; to rant.
Grenville seized the opportunity to declaim on the
repeal of the stamp act. --Bancroft.
Declaim \De*claim"\, v. t.
1. To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set
manner.
2. To defend by declamation; to advocate loudly. [Obs.]
``Declaims his cause.'' --South.
Source : WordNet®
declaim
v 1: recite in elocution [syn: {recite}]
2: speak against in an impassioned manner; "he declaimed
against the wasteful ways of modern society" [syn: {inveigh}]