tradition

The definition of a tradition is a custom or belief that is passed down through the generations or that is done time after time or year after year.

(noun)

An example of a tradition is eating turkey on Thanksgiving or putting up a tree on Christmas.

See tradition in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete a surrender or betrayal
1. the handing down orally of stories, beliefs, customs, etc. from generation to generation
2. a story, belief, custom, proverb, etc. handed down in this way
a historical line of conventions, principles, or attitudes characteristic of a school, social group, movement, etc.: the realist tradition in literature
a long-established custom or practice having the effect of precedent or unwritten law
Law delivery (sense )
Theol.
1. among Jews, the unwritten religious code and doctrine regarded as handed down from Moses
2. among Christians, the unwritten teachings regarded as handed down from Jesus and the Apostles
3. among Muslims, the sayings and acts attributed to Mohammed and transmitted orally

Origin: ME tradycion < MFr tradicion < L traditio, a surrender, delivery, tradition < traditus, pp. of tradere, to deliver: see treason

Related Forms:

See tradition in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
a. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.
b. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage.
A body of unwritten religious precepts.
A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
Law Transfer of property to another.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English tradicion

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin trāditiō, trāditiōn-

Origin: , from trāditus

Origin: , past participle of trādere, to hand over, deliver, entrust

Origin: : trā-, trāns-, trans-

Origin: + dare, to give; see dō- in Indo-European roots

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