ablution

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Related terms 1.3.2 Translations 2 French 2.1 Noun 2.1.1 Usage notes 2.1.2 Derived terms 2.2 References 2.3 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uːʃən

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

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.
   • Alexander Pope

     Cast the ablutions in the main.

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

• abluent
• ablute

[edit] Translations

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[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

• ablutions

[edit] References

• ablution in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: abilnotu
• oubliant