Hypertext Webster Gateway: "ritual"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ritual \Rit"u*al\, a.[L. ritualis, fr. ritus a rite: cf. F.
rituel.]
Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or
sacrifices; the ritual law.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ritual \Rit"u*al\, n. [Cf. F. rituel.]
1. A prescribed form of performing divine service in a
particular church or communion; as, the Jewish ritual.
2. Hence, the code of ceremonies observed by an organization;
as, the ritual of the freemasons.
3. A book containing the rites to be observed.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
ritual
adj 1: of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals;
"ritual killing"
2: of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals; "a
ritual dance of Haiti"; "sedate little colonial tribe with
its ritual tea parties"- Nadine Gordimer
n 1: any customary observance or practice [syn: {rite}]
2: the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
3: stereotyped behavior
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