I. prayer ˈprer noun
Usage: often attributive
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
II. pray·er ˈprā-ər, ˈprer noun
Etymology: Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + -er (II)
Date: 14th century
: one that prays : supplicant