ordainment
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of ordaining: "ordainment" refers to the formal process of conferring holy orders or ecclesiastical authority, especially in a religious context.
- A decree or law: In rare or historical usage, "ordainment" can also mean the enactment or establishment of a law, rule, or regulation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The ordainment of new priests took place in the cathedral. (The formal ceremony of conferring holy orders.)
- The ordainment of the new constitution was a lengthy process. (The enactment or establishment of a law.)
Advanced Usage
- "Ordainment" is a rare or archaic term, often replaced by "ordination" in religious contexts and "enactment" or "decree" in legal contexts.
- In historical texts, the ordainment of the king's edict was met with celebration. (The formal decree or establishment of a law.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ordain (verb): to officially make someone a priest or minister; to order or decree something.
- The church will ordain five new deacons next month. (To confer holy orders.)
- Ordination (noun): the more common term for the act of ordaining someone to religious office.
- Her ordination as a pastor was a joyous occasion. (The formal ceremony.)
Synonyms
- Appointment: the act of assigning someone to a position (e.g., )
- Decree: an official order or law (e.g., )
- Enactment: the process of making a law official (e.g., )
Related Idioms
- "To ordain one's fate": (literary) to determine or predestine someone's future.
- The gods seemed to ordain his fate as a warrior. (To decree or predetermine.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Ordain over: (rare) to have authority or jurisdiction over something.
- The council ordained over the distribution of resources. (Exercised formal control.)