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Webster 1913 Edition
Rite
Rite
,Noun.
[L.
ritus
; cf. Skr. rīti
a stream, a running, way, manner, ri
to flow: cf. F. rit
, rite
. CF. Rivulet
.] The act of performing divine or solemn service, as established by law, precept, or custom; a formal act of religion or other solemn duty; a solemn observance; a ceremony;
as, the
. rites
of freemasonryHe looked with indifference on
rites
, names, and forms of ecclesiastical polity. Macaulay.
Syn. – Form; ceremony; observance; ordinance.
Webster 1828 Edition
Rite
RITE
,Noun.
The manner of performing divine or solemn service as established by law, precept or custom; formal act of religion, or other solemn duty. The rites of the Israelites were numerous and expensive; the rites of modern churches are more simple. Funeral rites are very different in different countries. The sacrament is a holy rite.