Ritual

English Meaning

Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or sacrifices; the ritual law.

1. The prescribed order of a religious ceremony.
2. The body of ceremonies or rites used in a place of worship.
3. The prescribed form of conducting a formal secular ceremony: the ritual of an inauguration.
4. The body of ceremonies used by a fraternal organization.
5. A book of rites or ceremonial forms.
6. A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
7. The performance of such acts.
8. A detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: My household chores have become a morning ritual.
9. A state or condition characterized by the presence of established procedure or routine: "Prison was a ritual—reenacted daily, year in, year out. Prisoners came and went; generations came and went; and yet the ritual endured” ( William H. Hallahan).
10. Associated with or performed according to a rite or ritual: a priest's ritual garments; a ritual sacrifice.
11. Being part of an established routine: a ritual glass of milk before bed.