Main Entry:

bap·tism

Pronunciation:

\ˈbap-ˌti-zəm, especially Southern ˈbab-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English baptisme

Date:

14th century

1 a: a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community b: a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification cChristian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit2: an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named

— bap·tis·mal \bap-ˈtiz-məl, especially Southern bab-\ adjective

— bap·tis·mal·ly \-mə-lē\ adverb