See Also: baptism(dictionary)
baptism(encyclopedia)
baptism(dictionary)

baptism (iou)



baptism noun. ME.
[Old French ba(p)te(s)me (now bapteme) from ecclesiastical Latin baptismus, -um (also -a) from ecclesiastical Greek baptismos ceremonial washing, baptisma baptism, from baptizein BAPTIZE. Refash. after Latin & Greek.]
The application of water to a person by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, as a religious rite, symbolical of purification or regeneration, and, with Christians, betokening initiation into the Church, often accompanied by naming. ME.
fig.: baptism of blood martyrdom of the unbaptized. baptism of fire a soldier's first battle.
The naming of church bells and of ships. L16.