Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rhetoric \Rhet"o*ric\, n. [F. rh['e]torique, L. rhetorica, Gr.
   ???? (sc. ???), fr. ??? rhetorical, oratorical, fr. ???
   orator, rhetorician; perhaps akin to E. word; cf. ??? to
   say.]
   1. The art of composition; especially, elegant composition in
      prose.

   2. Oratory; the art of speaking with propriety, elegance, and
      force. --Locke.

   3. Hence, artificial eloquence; fine language or declamation
      without conviction or earnest feeling.

   4. Fig. : The power of persuasion or attraction; that which
      allures or charms.

            Sweet, silent rhetoric of persuading eyes. --Daniel.

Source : WordNet®

rhetoric
     n 1: using language effectively to please or persuade
     2: high flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
        [syn: {grandiosity}, {magniloquence}, {grandiloquence}]
     3: loud and confused and empty talk; "mere rhetoric" [syn: {palaver},
         {hot air}, {empty words}, {empty talk}]
     4: study of the technique and rules for using language
        effectively (especially in public speaking)