a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious or other solemn use

rites of baptism; sacrificial rites.

a particular form or system of religious or other ceremonial practice

the Roman rite.

( often initial capital letter ) one of the historical versions of the Eucharistic service

the Anglican Rite.

( often initial capital letter ) liturgy.

( sometimes initial capital letter ) Eastern Church, Western Church . a division or differentiation of churches according to liturgy.

any customary observance or practice

the rite of afternoon tea.

noun

act , celebration , ceremonial , communion , custom , form , formality , liturgy , observance , occasion , ordinance , practice , procedure , ritual , sacrament , service , solemnitynotes:a rite is an established form of religious or otherwise solemn practice; a ritual is a prescribed form for carrying out the ceremonies associated with such a practice (both from latin ritus \'ceremony\') , office , ceremony , cult , initiation , tradition