WIKTIONARY

ablution

Noun

∙ The act of washing something.
- ∙ Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance. [First attested from around 1350 to 1470.] chemistry
- ∙ The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite. [From mid 16^th century.]
- ∙ Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up. [From mid 18^th century.] literary or humorous, usually in the plural
- ∙ The rinsing of the priest's hand and the sacred vessel following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest. [from 17th c.] Western Christianity
∙ The liquid used in the cleansing or ablution. [From early 18^th century.]
∙ The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion. Orthodox Christianity
∙ The location or building where the showers and basins are located. [From mid 20^th century.] plural only, Britain, military

English Dictionary

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