— baptismal /bap tiz"meuhl/ , adj. — baptismally , adv.
/bap"tiz euhm/ , n.
1. Eccles. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.
2. any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.
3. a trying or purifying experience or initiation.
4. Christian Science. purification of thought and character.
[ 1250-1300; ME baptisma bapt ( ízein ) to BAPTIZE + -isma -ISM; r. ME bapteme ]
Syn. 2. induction, admittance, introduction.