English Dictionary
Definition of “ordain”
ordain (ɔːˈdeɪn
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to consecrate (someone) as a priest; confer holy orders upon
- (may take a clause as object) to decree, appoint, or predestine irrevocably
- (may take a clause as object) to order, establish, or enact with authority
- obsolete to select for an office
Alternative Forms
orˈdainer noun orˈdainment noun Word Origin
C13: from Anglo-Norman ordeiner, from Late Latin ordināre, from Latin ordoorder
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
appoint,
call,
name,
commission,
select,
elect,
invest,
install,
nominate,
anoint,
consecrate,
frock,
=
order,
will,
rule,
demand,
require,
direct,
establish,
command,
dictate,
prescribe,
pronounce,
lay down,
decree,
instruct,
enact,
legislate,
enjoin,
Usage examples
John Hermann Modbury, SA * Why not ordain a couple of orangutans.
The Australian (2004)Why not ordain a good man or woman from the Inishbofin community to celebrate the Eucharist?
Sun, News of the World (2001)The Nichiren Order was now to select and ordain candidates of its own.
Montgomery, Daniel B, Fire in the Lotus - the dynamic Buddhism of Nichiren (1991)
