ancestor cult

noun

: a ritualistic system of veneration, honor, and propitiation of the spirits of dead ancestors for the purpose of avoiding evil consequences and securing good fortune

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestor cult was in 1883

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Dictionary Entries Near ancestor cult

ancestor

ancestor cult

ancestorial

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Cite this Entry

“Ancestor cult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestor%20cult. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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