Rite (?), n. [L. ritus; cf. Skr.
rīti 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.