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."
3. A
little quantity of
wine and water, which is used to
wash the priest's
thumb and
index finger after the communion, and which then, as probably containing portions of the consecrated elements, is
drunk by the priest.
Origin: L. Ablutio, fr. Abluere: cf. F. Ablution. See Abluent.
Source: Websters Vocabulary