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 c Christian Science : purification by or submergence in Spirit
2 : 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