n.
Pronunciation: ' ri-ch ə -w ə l, -ch ə l; ' rich-w ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin ritualis, from ritus rite
Date: 1570
1 : of or relating to rites or a ritual : CEREMONIAL <a ritual dance>
2 : according to religious law < ritual purity>
3 : done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol < ritual handshakes> < ritual background checks>
– rit · u · al · ly adverb