Homelies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Plural of homily, meaning sermons or talks, often religious, that give advice on moral conduct
2. Religious discourses or lengthy moralizing lectures delivered to teach people how they should behave
3. Sermons, usually on scripture or ethics, that are intended to instruct a congregation in virtue

Etymology: "Homelies" is the plural of "homily," and the base word began as a word for company. In ancient Greek, "homilia" meant a crowd or a gathering, or simply being together in conversation. Only in the early Church did it come to mean a talk given to a congregation. English took it through Old French "omelie" and Late Latin "homilia," and by Middle English it meant a religious discourse, as it still does.

Synonyms: sermon, lecture, address, discourse