propitiatory Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective having power to atone for or offered by way of expiation or propitiation
    expiative; expiatory.
    • expiatory (or propitiatory) sacrifice
  2. adjective satellite intended to reconcile or appease
    propitiative.
    • sent flowers as a propitiatory gesture

WordNet

Pro*pi"ti*a*to*ry adjective
Etymology
L. propitiatorius: cf. F. propitiatoire.
Definitions
  1. Having the power to make propitious; pertaining to, or employed in, propitiation; expiatory; as, a propitiatory sacrifice. Sharp.
Pro*pi"ti*a*to*ry noun
Etymology
L. propitiatorium.
Definitions
  1. (Jewish Antiq.) The mercy seat; -- so called because a symbol of the propitiated Jehovah. Bp. Pearson.

Webster 1913