| ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷ as at ave + məˈrēə, -mä-, -mȧ- noun
also ave mary -ˈmerē, -mār-, -ma(a)r-, -ri
Usage: usually capitalized A&M
Etymology: Middle English ave Maria, from Medieval Latin, hail, Mary!
1. : a salutation to the Virgin Mary combined as now used in the Roman Catholic Church with a prayer to her as mother of God
2. : a particular time (as in Italy at the ringing of the bells about half an hour after sunset and also at early dawn) when the people repeat the Ave Maria
3. : one of the small beads of a rosary by which Ave Marias are counted