v.
Pronunciation: o ̇ r- ' d ā n
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English ordeinen, from Anglo-French ordener, ordeiner, from Late Latin ordinare, from Latin, to put in order, appoint, from ordin-, ordo order
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority
2 a : to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law : ENACT <we the people ⋯ do ordain and establish this Constitution ― U.S. Constitution > b : DESTINE , FOREORDAIN
intransitive verb : to issue an order
– or · dain · er noun
– or · dain · ment \ - ' d ā n-m ə nt \ noun