baptism

One entry found for baptism.

Main Entry: bap·tism
Pronunciation: 'bap-"ti-z&m, especially Southern 'bab-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English baptisme
1 a : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community b : a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification c Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit
2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named
- bap·tis·mal /bap-'tiz-m&l, especially Southern bab-/ adjective
- bap·tis·mal·ly /-m&-lE/ adverb