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Definition of prayer


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prayer 1  audio  (prār) KEY  

NOUN:
    1. A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship.
    2. The act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship.
  1. An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving: One evening a week, the family would join together in prayer.
  2. A specially worded form used to address God, a god, or another object of worship.
  3. prayers A religious observance in which praying predominates: morning prayers.
    1. A fervent request: Her prayer for rain was granted at last.
    2. The thing requested: His safe arrival was their only prayer.
  4. The slightest chance or hope: In a storm the mountain climbers won't have a prayer.
  5. Law
    1. The request of a complainant, as stated in a complaint or in equity, that the court grant the aid or relief solicited.
    2. The section of the complaint or bill that contains this request.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English preiere, from Old French, from Medieval Latin precria, from feminine of Latin precrius, obtained by entreaty, from precr, to entreat ; see pray


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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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