a modern French name for a speech or oration made by an orator in public.—Menage derives the word from the Italian arenga, which signifies the same; formed, according to Ferrari, from arringo, "a just, or place of justing." Others derive it from Harangues the Latin *ara*, "altar;" by reason the first harangues were made before altars; whence the verse of Juvenal,

*Aut Lugdunensis rhetor disturus ad aram.*

Harangues were usually made by the generals, previous to an engagement both amongst the Greeks and Romans. An harangue on such occasions was called *allocutio*. See *ALLOCUTIO*.

The word is also frequently used in an ill sense, viz. for a too pompous, prolix, or unseasonable speech or declamation.