rite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
    religious rite.
    • the rite of baptism
  2. noun any customary observance or practice
    ritual.

WordNet

Rite noun
Etymology
L. ritus; cf. Skr. riti a stream, a running, way, manner, ri to flow: cf. F. rit, rite. CF. Rivulet.
Definitions
  1. The act of performing divine or solemn service, as established by law, precept, or custom; a formal act of religion or other solemn duty; a solemn observance; a ceremony; as, the rites of freemasonry.
    He looked with indifference on rites, names, and forms of ecclesiastical polity. Macaulay.
    Syn. -- Form; ceremony; observance; ordinance.

Webster 1913