Hypertext Webster Gateway: "rite"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Rite \Rite\, n. [L. ritus; cf. Skr. r[=i]ti a stream, a running,
way, manner, ri to flow: cf. F. rit, rite. CF. {Rivulet}.]
The act of performing divine or solemn service, as
established by law, precept, or custom; a formal act of
religion or other solemn duty; a solemn observance; a
ceremony; as, the rites of freemasonry.
He looked with indifference on rites, names, and forms
of ecclesiastical polity. --Macaulay.
Syn: Form; ceremony; observance; ordinance.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
rite
n 1: an established ceremony prescribed by a religion; "the rite
of baptism" [syn: {religious rite}]
2: any customary observance or practice [syn: {ritual}]
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