n.
Pronunciation: ' prer
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : an address (as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought <said a prayer for the success of the voyage> (2) : a set order of words used in praying b : an earnest request or wish
2 : the act or practice of praying to God or a god <kneeling in prayer >
3 : a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers ― often used in plural
4 : something prayed for
5 : a slight chance <haven't got a prayer >