1. Any customary observance or practice
   "The ritual of afternoon tea is still observed in many British households";
   - rite
    
2. The prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
   "The wedding ritual included the exchange of rings"; "The elaborate ritual of the coronation ceremony fascinated spectators"
    
3. Stereotyped behaviour
   "The ritual of brewing tea every morning brought her comfort"

1. Of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals
   "ritual killing"
    
2. 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"

Derived forms: rituals

Type of: custom, habit, pattern, practice, usage, usance [archaic], use

Encyclopedia: Ritual