Main Entry: ¹rit·u·al

Pronunciation: \ˈri-chə-wəl, -chəl; ˈrich-wəl\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin ritualis, from ritus rite

Date: 1570

1 : of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial <a ritual dance>
2 : according to religious law <ritual purity>
3 : done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol <ritual handshakes> <ritual background checks>

— rit·u·al·ly adverb