Main Entry:

or·dain

Pronunciation:

\ȯr-ˈdān\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English ordeinen, from Anglo-French ordener, ordeiner, from Late Latin ordinare, from Latin, to put in order, appoint, from ordin-, ordo order

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority2 a: to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law : enact <we the people…do ordain and establish this Constitution — United States Constitution> b: destine, foreordainintransitive verb: to issue an order

— or·dain·er noun

— or·dain·ment \-ˈdān-mənt\ noun