1. Extended verbal expression in speech or writing
   "The professor's discourse on ancient philosophy lasted for two hours"
    
2. An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
   "the book contains an excellent discourse of modal logic";
   - discussion, treatment
    
3. An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
   "The priest's discourse on charity inspired the congregation";
   - sermon, preaching

1. Talk at length and formally about a topic
   "The professor discoursed on ancient philosophy";
   - hold forth, dissertate
    
2. Carry on a conversation
   "The couple discoursed quietly in the corner";
   - converse
    
3. To consider or examine in speech or writing
   "The scholars discoursed on ancient philosophy";
   - talk about, discuss

Derived forms: discoursed, discourses, discoursing

Type of: address, communicating, communication, cover, deal, handle, language unit, linguistic unit, plough [Brit, Cdn], plow [N. Amer], speak, speech, talk, treat

Encyclopedia: Discourse, Figure