I. rite ˈrīt, usu -īd.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Old English rīm number, Old High German, series, number, Old Norse, calculation, Old Irish, number, Greek arithmos number, arariskein to fit — more at arm
1.
a. : a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions of a ceremony especially of considerable religious, courtly, social, or tribal significance
the introduction into a particular rite of features not sanctioned by the texts — L.P.Smith
b. often capitalized : liturgy ; especially : one of the historical forms of the eucharistic service
Charlemagne introduced the Roman rite throughout his territories
2. : a ceremonial act or action or series of such acts especially in established religious usage, in tribal custom, or occasionally in bizarre practices or unduly formalized conduct in ordinary life
rite of baptism
rites of a fraternal organization
at puberty, initiation rites are held — African Abstracts
woman engaged in the rites of good grooming — Agnes Rogers
making an apologetic rite of pulling up his trousers and stuffing in his shirt — Richard Llewellyn
— see rite of intensification , rite of passage
3. sometimes capitalized : a division of the Christian church as determined by liturgy
Eastern Orthodox of the Byzantine rite
Protestants of the Anglican rite
— see latin rite
Synonyms: see form
II. ri·te ˈrīd.ē, -īˌtē adverb (or adjective)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, in accordance with religious usage, fitly, aptly; akin to Latin ritus rite
: with a pass — used as a mark of undistinguished achievement in the academic requirements for graduation