\Preach\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Preached}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Preaching}.] [OE. prechen, OF. preechier, F. pr[^e]cher, 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.
         How shall they preach, except they be sent? --Rom.
                                               x. 15.
         From that time Jesus began to preach. --Matt. iv.
                                               17.
2. To give serious advice on morals or religion; to discourse
   in the manner of a preacher.

\Preach\, v. t.
1. To proclaim by public discourse; to utter in a sermon or a
   formal religious harangue.
         That Cristes gospel truly wolde preche. --Chaucer.
         The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings
         unto the meek.                        --Isa. lxi. 1.
2. To inculcate in public discourse; to urge with earnestness
   by public teaching. ``I have preached righteousness in the
   great congregation.'' --Ps. xl. 9.
3. To deliver or pronounce; as, to preach a sermon.
4. To teach or instruct by preaching; to inform by preaching.
   [R.] ``As ye are preached.'' --Southey.
5. To advise or recommend earnestly.
         My master preaches patience to him.   --Shak.
{To preach down}, to oppress, or humiliate by preaching.
   --Tennyson.
{To preach up}, to exalt by preaching; to preach in support
   of; as, to preach up equality.

\Preach\, n. [Cf. F. pr[^e]che, fr. pr[^e]cher. See
{Preach}, v.]
A religious discourse. [Obs.] --Hooker.