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homily

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The definition of a homily is a religious sermon or speech that is intended to provide spiritual education, or any moral lessons that are being imparted, especially when being imparted or taught in a tedious way.

(noun)

When a minister gives a sermon, this is an example of a homily.
When someone gives a long and dull lecture about morality, this is an example of a homily.

See homily in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. homilies

a sermon, esp. one centering on Scriptural texts
a solemn, moralizing talk or writing, esp. if long or dull

Origin: ME omelye < OFr omelie < LL(Ec) homilia, sermon < Gr, converse, instruction (in LGr(Ec), sermon) < homilos, assembly

See homily in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. hom·i·lies

A sermon, especially one intended to edify a congregation on a practical matter and not intended to be a theological discourse.
A tedious moralizing lecture or admonition.
An inspirational saying or platitude.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English omelie

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin homīlia

Origin: , from Greek homīliā, discourse

Origin: , from homīlos, crowd; see sem-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: