Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ablution
1.
The act of washing or cleansing; specifically, the washing of the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.
2.
The water used in cleansing.
“Cast the ablutions in the main.” Pope.
3.
(R. C. Ch.)
A small quantity of wine and water, which is used to wash the priest’s thumb and index finger after the communion, and which then, as perhaps containing portions of the consecrated elements, is drunk by the priest.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ablution
ABLU'TION
,Noun.
1.
In a general sense, the act of washing; a cleansing or purification by water.2.
Appropriately, the washing of the body as a preparation for religious duties, enjoined by Moses and still practiced in many countries.3.
In chimistry, the purification of bodies by the affusion of a proper liquor, as water to dissolve salts.4.
In medicine, the washing of the body externally as by baths; or internally, by diluting fluids.5.
Pope has used ablution for the water used in cleansing.6.
The cup given to the laity without consecration, in popish churches.Definition 2024
ablution
ablution
English
Noun
ablution (plural ablutions)
- The act of washing something.
- (chemistry) Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance. [First attested from around 1350 to 1470.][2]
- The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite. [From mid 16th century.][2]
- (literary or humorous, usually in the plural) Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up. [From mid 18th century.][2]
- 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.
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- (Western Christianity) The rinsing of the priest's hand and the sacred vessel following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest. [from 17th c.]
- The liquid used in the cleansing or ablution. [From early 18th century.][2]
- (Can we date this quote?), Alexander Pope, (Please provide the title of the work):
- Cast the ablutions in the main.
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- (Orthodox Christianity) The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.
- (plural only, Britain, military) The location or building where the showers and basins are located. [From mid 20th century.][2]
Related terms
Translations
the act of washing or cleansing
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the water used in cleansing
Anagrams
References
- ↑ Elliott K. Dobbie, C. William Dunmore, Robert K. Barnhart, et al. (editors), Chambers Dictionary of Etymology (Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd, 2004 [1998], ISBN 0550142304), page 3
- 1 2 3 4 5 Lesley Brown (editor), The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 5th edition (Oxford University Press, 2003 [1933], ISBN 978-0-19-860575-7), page 5-6
- ablution in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913