ablution

[In Ger. & Fr. ablution; Sp. ablucion; Ital. abluzione; from Lat. ablutio = washing.] L. The act of washing, cleansing, or purifying by means of water. 1. Spec.: One of those washings which figure so largely among the ceremonial observances of Oriental faiths, and are recognised also in Christian baptism. "Ablutions before prayer."-Herklots: Mu ulmans of India, xiii. 72. 2. Roman Ritual: The water and wine with which the celebrant washes his thumb and index finger, after his communion, in the Ma . 3. Med .: The washing of the body externally by baths, or internally by fluids effective for the purpose. 4. Chem. The purification of bodies by the pouring upon them of suitable liquids. II. The state of being washed. * III. The water which has been used for the purpose of washing. "Wash'd by the briny wave, the pious train Are cleans'd, and cast the ablutions in the main." Pope: Homer's Iliad. *ăb-lu-vi-on, s. [Old Lat. abluvium = a deluge.] That which is washed off. ( Dwight .) a-bly, adv . [ABLE.] In an able manner; with ability. "And bare him ably in the fight." ab'-ně-gāte, v.t. [Lat. abnego = to refuse or deny: ab; nego to refuse, to deny.] [NEGATION.] To deny, to repudiate. Scott: Lay of Last Minstrel, iv. 23. "Patience and abnegation of self, and devotion to others." Long fellow: Evangeline.