rit·u·al (r ch  - l)n. 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).adj. 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. [From Latin r  tu lis, of rites, from rtus, rite; see rite.]rit u·al·ly adv. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adv. | 1. | ritually - in a ceremonial manner; "he was ceremonially sworn in as President" |
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