RITE, noun [Latin ritus.] The manner of performing divine or solemn service as established by law, precept or custom; formal act of religion, or other solemn duty. The rites of the Israelites were numerous and expensive; the rites of modern churches are more simple. Funeral rites are very different in different countries. The sacrament is a holy rite
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI