WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ab*lu`tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. ablutio, fr. abluere: cf. F. ablution. See Abluent.]
Definition : 1. The act of washing or cleansing; specifically, the washing of the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.

2. The water used in cleansing. "Cast the ablutions in the main." Pope.

3. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: A small quantity of wine and water, which is used to wash the priest's thumb and index finger after the communion, and which then, as perhaps containing portions of the consecrated elements, is drunk by the priest.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913