Rite (?), n. [L. ritus; cf. Skr. riti a stream, a running, way, manner, ri to flow: cf. F. rit, rite. CF. Rivulet.]
The act of performing divine or solemn service, as established by law, precept, or custom; a formal act of religion or other solemn duty; a solemn observance; a ceremony; as, the rites of freemasonry.
He looked with indifference on rites, names, and forms of ecclesiastical polity.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- Form; ceremony; observance; ordinance.
© Webster 1913.