A public speaker. In ancient Rome, orators were advocates for clients in the forum and before the senate and people. They were employed in causes of importance instead of the common patron.

In modern usage, a person who pronounces a discourse publicly on some special occasion, as on the celebration of some memorable event.

An eloquent public speaker; a speaker, by way of eminence. We say, a man writes and reasons well, but is no orator. Lord Chatham was an orator.

In France, a speaker in debate in a legislative body.

In chancery, a petitioner.

An officer in the universities in England.