Ablution
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: /əˈbluË.ʃnÌ©/
- US IPA: /əˈblu.ʃn̩/, /æbˈlu.ʃn̩/
- Rhymes: -uËʃən
Origin
From Middle English, ablucioun ("cleansing of impurities"), from Old French ablution, and its source, Late Latin ablūtiŠ("a washing away"), from abluŠ("wash away"), from ab ("away") + luŠ("wash")
CDOE|page=3
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Full definition of ablution
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.
- The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite. From mid 16th century.
- (literary or humorous, usually in the plural) Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up. From mid 18th century.
- 1835, s:Author:William Gilmore Simms, s:The Partisan, 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.
- (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.
- Alexander PopeCast the ablutions in the main.
- (Orthodox Christianity) The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.
- (pluralonly, UK, military) The location or building where the showers and sinks are located. From mid 20th century.