Main Entry: rite

Pronunciation: \ˈrīt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ritus; akin to Greek arithmos number — more at arithmetic

Date: 14th century

1 a : a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony b : the ceremonial practices of a church or group of churches
2 : a ceremonial act or action <initiation rites>
3 : a division of the Christian church using a distinctive liturgy