Definition of Baptism

Bait

BAPTISM noun

	A sacred rite of such efficacy that he who finds himself in heaven without having undergone it will be unhappy forever. It is performed with water in two ways -- by immersion, or plunging, and by aspersion, or sprinkling. But whether the plan of immersion Is better than simple aspersion Let those immersed And those aspersed Decide by the Authorized Version, And by matching their agues tertian. G.J.

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Barometer

Regular definition:

BAPTISM:
?bæpt?zm n. 1 a the religious rite, symbolizing admission to the Christian Church, of sprinkling the forehead with water, or (usu. only with adults) by immersion, generally accompanied by name-giving. b the act of baptizing or being baptized. 2 an initiation, e.g. into battle. 3 the naming of ships, church bells, etc. øbaptism of fire 1 initiation into battle. 2 a painful new undertaking or experience. øøbaptismal adj. [ME f. OF ba(p)te(s)me f. eccl.L baptismus f. eccl.Gk baptismos f. baptizo BAPTIZE]

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30