Definition of declaim

• v. i. - To speak rhetorically; to make a formal speech or oration; to harangue; specifically, to recite a speech, poem, etc., in public as a rhetorical exercise; to practice public speaking; as, the students declaim twice a week.
• v. i. - To speak for rhetorical display; to speak pompously, noisily, or theatrically; to make an empty speech; to rehearse trite arguments in debate; to rant.
• v. t. - To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set manner.
• v. t. - To defend by declamation; to advocate loudly.