Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Ritual

Ritual , adjective

[Latin ritualis, from ritus a rite: compare French rituel.]

Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or sacrifices; the ritual law.

Ritual , noun

[Compare French rituel.]

1.
A prescribed form of performing divine service in a particular church or communion; as, the Jewish ritual.
2.
Hence, the code of ceremonies observed by an organization; as, the ritual of the freemasons.
3.
A book containing the rites to be observed.