n.
Pronunciation: ' bap- ˌ ti-z ə m, esp Southern ' bab-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English baptisme
Date: 14th century
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 ə l, esp Southern bab- \ adjective
– bap · tis · mal · ly \ -m ə -l ē \ adverb