\Ser"mon\, n. [OE. sermoun, sermun, F. sermon, fr. L.
sermo, -onis, a speaking, discourse, probably fr. serer,
sertum, to join, connect; hence, a connected speech. See
{Series}.]
1. A discourse or address; a talk; a writing; as, the sermons
   of Chaucer. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
2. Specifically, a discourse delivered in public, usually by
   a clergyman, for the purpose of religious instruction and
   grounded on some text or passage of Scripture.
         This our life exempt from public haunts Finds
         tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
         Sermons in stones and good in everything. --Shak.
         His preaching much, but more his practice, wrought,
         A living sermon of the truths he taught. --Dryden.
3. Hence, a serious address; a lecture on one's conduct or
   duty; an exhortation or reproof; a homily; -- often in a
   depreciatory sense.

\Ser"mon\, v. i. [Cf. OF. sermoner, F. sermonner to
lecture one.]
To speak; to discourse; to compose or deliver a sermon.
[Obs.] --Holinshed.
      What needeth it to sermon of it more?    --Chaucer.

\Ser"mon\, v. t.
1. To discourse to or of, as in a sermon. [Obs.] --Spenser.
2. To tutor; to lecture. [Poetic] --Shak.