n.1 a the religious rite, symbolizing admission to the Christian Church, of sprinkling the forehead with water, or (usu. only with adults) by immersion, generally accompanied by name-giving. b the act of baptizing or being baptized.
2 an initiation, e.g. into battle.
3 the naming of ships, church bells, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
baptism of fire
1. initiation into battle.
2 a painful new undertaking or experience.
Derivatives:
baptismal adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF ba(p)te(s)me f. eccl.L baptismus f. eccl.Gk baptismos f. baptizo BAPTIZE