— riteless , adj. — ritelessness , n.
/ruyt/ , n.
1. a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious or other solemn use: rites of baptism; sacrificial rites.
2. a particular form or system of religious or other ceremonial practice: the Roman rite.
3. ( often cap. ) one of the historical versions of the Eucharistic service: the Anglican Rite.
4. ( often cap. ) liturgy.
5. ( sometimes cap. ) Eastern Ch., Western Ch. a division or differentiation of churches according to liturgy.
6. any customary observance or practice: the rite of afternoon tea.
[ 1275-1325; ME ( rit ( e )) ritus ]
Syn. 1. observance, form, usage. See ceremony .