n.1 a a custom, opinion, or belief handed down to posterity esp. orally or by practice. b this process of handing down.
2 esp. joc. an established practice or custom (it's a tradition to complain about the weather).
3 artistic, literary, etc. principles based on experience and practice; any one of these (stage tradition; traditions of the Dutch School).
4 Theol. doctrine or a particular doctrine etc. claimed to have divine authority without documentary evidence, esp.: a the oral teaching of Christ and the Apostles. b the laws held by the Pharisees to have been delivered by God to Moses. c the words and deeds of Muhammad not in the Koran.
5 Law the formal delivery of property etc.
Derivatives:
traditionary adj. traditionist n. traditionless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF tradicion or L traditio f. tradere hand on, betray (as TRANS-, dare give)