Definition of tradition

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tra·di·tion    (tr-dshn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
2. 1. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.
   2. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage.
3. A body of unwritten religious precepts.
4. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
5. Law Transfer of property to another.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English tradicion, from Old French, from Latin trditi, trditin-, from trditus, past participle of trdere, to hand over, deliver, entrust : tr-, trns-, trans- + dare, to give; see d- in Indo-European roots