'Ritual' definitions:

Definition of 'ritual'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals; "ritual killing"
adjective
Of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals; "a ritual dance of Haiti"; "sedate little colonial tribe with its ritual tea parties"- Nadine Gordimer
noun
Any customary observance or practice [syn: ritual, rite]
noun
The prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
noun
Stereotyped behavior

Definition of 'Ritual'

From: GCIDE
  • Ritual \Rit"u*al\, a.[L. ritualis, fr. ritus a rite: cf. F. rituel.] Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or sacrifices; the ritual law. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ritual'

From: GCIDE
  • Ritual \Rit"u*al\, n. [Cf. F. rituel.]
  • 1. A prescribed form of performing divine service in a particular church or communion; as, the Jewish ritual. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence, the code of ceremonies observed by an organization; as, the ritual of the freemasons. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A book containing the rites to be observed. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'ritual'

From: Moby Thesaurus