Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Circumcision

Circumcision , noun

[Latin circumcisio.]

1.
The act of cutting off the prepuce or foreskin of males, or the internal labia of females.

The circumcision of males is practiced as a religious rite by the Jews, Muslims, etc. Circumcision of male infants is also a common practice as a hygienic measure, to reduce incidence of infection of the penis.

2.
(a) (Scripture) The Jews, as a circumcised people.
(b)
(Scripture) Rejection of the sins of the flesh; spiritual purification, and acceptance of the Christian faith.