I. ˈri-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈrich-wəl 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
II. noun
Date: 1649
1. : the established form for a ceremony ; specifically : the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2.
a. : ritual observance ; specifically : a system of rites
b. : a ceremonial act or action
c. : an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner