ablution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels

WordNet

Ab*lu`tion noun
Etymology
L. ablutio, fr. abluere: cf. F. ablution. See Abluent.
Definitions
  1. The act of washing or cleansing; specifically, the washing of the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.
  2. The water used in cleansing. "Cast the ablutions in the main." Pope.
  3. (R. C. Ch.) A small quantity of wine and water, which is used to wash the priest's thumb and index finger after the communion, and which then, as perhaps containing portions of the consecrated elements, is drunk by the priest.

Webster 1913