speak

[[t]spik[/t]]

v. spoke, spo•ken, speak•ing

1) to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice; talk

2) to communicate vocally; mention

3) to converse

4) to deliver an address, discourse, etc

5) to make a statement in written or printed words

6) to communicate, signify, or disclose by any means

7) cmp to emit a sound, as a musical instrument; make a noise or report

8) to utter vocally and articulately

9) to express or make known with the voice

10) to declare in writing or printing, or by any means of communication

11) to use, or be able to use, in oral utterance:

to speak French[/ex]

12) naut. navig. to communicate with (a passing vessel) at sea, as by voice or signal

13) archaic to speak to or with

14) phv speak for

to speak in behalf of

15) phv speak out, to express one's opinion openly and unreservedly

16) phv speak up

a) to speak loud enough to be heard

b) to speak out

•

- so to speak speak well for to speak of

Etymology: bef. 900; ME speken, OE specan, var. of sprecan, c. OFrisspreka, OSsprekan, OHG sprehhan speak′a•ble, adj.