ablution

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Latin ablūtiō (washing, cleansing, ablution), from abluō (I wash away). Compare French ablution.

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
ablution

Plural
ablutions

ablution (plural ablutions)

  1. The act of washing or cleansing; specifically, the washing of the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.
    • 1835, William Gilmore Simms, The Partisan, Harper, Chapter II, page 25:
      He followed the steps of Bella, who soon conducted him to his chamber, and left him to those ablutions which a long ride along a sandy road had rendered particularly necessary.
  2. The water used in cleansing.
  3. (Western Christianity) The rinsing of the priest's hand following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest.
  4. (Orthodox Christianity) The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.

[edit] Related terms

[edit] Translations

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.

[edit] French

[edit] Noun

ablution f. (plural ablutions)

  1. (Western Christianity) Ritual rinsing of the priest's hand; ablution.
  2. (rare) A washing, especially ritual.

[edit] Usage notes

  • The various other meanings of the word are usually only used in the plural.

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] References

[edit] Anagrams