Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A religious ceremony or prayers performed for a person who is dying or has just died: The term refers specifically to the final religious ministrations given to an individual, often in the Christian tradition, to prepare the soul for death and the afterlife.
   • The final sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church: In this specific context, it denotes the sacrament (formerly called Extreme Unction, now part of the Anointing of the Sick) where a priest anoints a dying person with oil and offers prayers for spiritual salvation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family gathered as the priest administered the last rites to their grandfather.
  • In her final hours, she received the last rites from the local chaplain.
  • The tradition of performing last rites provides comfort to both the dying and their loved ones.

Advanced Usage

• "To administer the last rites": This is the standard phrase for describing the action of a clergyperson performing this ceremony.
  • The hospital chaplain was called to administer the last rites.

Variants and Related Words

• Anointing of the Sick (n): The current name in the Catholic Church for the sacrament that includes what was traditionally called the last rites. It can be received by any seriously ill person, not only those at the point of death.
• Extreme Unction (n): The former name for the sacrament of anointing the dying in the Catholic Church.
• Viaticum (n): Specifically, the Eucharist given to a person near or in danger of death, often as part of the last rites.

Synonyms

• Final sacraments: Emphasizes the religious, ceremonial aspect.
• Deathbed rites: Highlights the timing of the ceremony.

Related Phrases

• To give someone the last rites: A common alternative to "administer."
  • The priest gave the soldier the last rites on the battlefield.

Notes on Meaning

• The term last rites is strongly associated with Christian, particularly Catholic, tradition. In a broader, non-religious context, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to signify final actions or ceremonies before an ending, but this is an extended figurative use. Its primary meaning is religious.

Noun

1. rites performed in connection with a death or burial
2. a Catholic sacrament; a priest anoints a dying person with oil and prays for salvation