Main Entry: in·vo·ca·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-və-ˈkā-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English invocacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French invocation, from Latin invocation-, invocatio, from invocare

Date: 14th century

1 a : the act or process of petitioning for help or support; specifically often capitalized : a prayer of entreaty (as at the beginning of a service of worship) b : a calling upon for authority or justification
2 : a formula for conjuring : incantation
3 : an act of legal or moral implementation : enforcement

— in·vo·ca·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— in·voc·a·to·ry \in-ˈvä-kə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective