baptismal

Variant of baptism

baptism definition

bap·tism (bap′tiz′əm)

noun

  1. a baptizing or being baptized; specif., the ceremony or sacrament of admitting a person into Christianity or a specific Christian church by immersing the individual in water or by pouring or sprinkling water on the individual, as a symbol of washing away sin and of spiritual purification
  2. any experience or ordeal that initiates, tests, or purifies

Etymology: ME & OFr baptesme < LL(Ec) baptisma, Christian baptism < L, a dipping under < Gr < baptizein: see baptize

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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