ritual

(rĭchˈo͞o-əl)

1. a. The prescribed order of a religious ceremony.
   b. The body of ceremonies or rites used in a place of worship.
2. a. The prescribed form of conducting a formal secular ceremony: the ritual of an inauguration.
   b. The body of ceremonies used by a fraternal organization.
3. A book of rites or ceremonial forms.
4. rituals
   a. A ceremonial act or a series of such acts.
   b. The performance of such acts.
5. a. A detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed: My household chores have become a morning ritual.
   b. 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).

1. Associated with or performed according to a rite or ritual: a priest's ritual garments; a ritual sacrifice.
2. Being part of an established routine: a ritual glass of milk before bed.

Related Forms:

• ritˈu·al·ly adverb