English Explanatory Dictionary

liturgy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A predetermined or prescribed set of rituals that are performed, usually by a religion; a book in which they are recorded.
  2. An official worship service of the Christian church.
  3. In Ancient Greece, a form of personal service to the state.

Pronunciation

/ˈlɪtəd͡ʒi/ /ˈlɪtɚd͡ʒi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vininn126-liturgy.wav

Word forms

liturgy liturgies

Etymology

From Middle French liturgie, from Latin liturgia, from Ancient Greek λειτουργία (leitourgía), from λειτ- (leit-), from λαός (laós, “people”) + -ουργός (-ourgós), from ἔργον (érgon, “work”) (the public work of the people done on behalf of the people).

Synonyms

breviary missal portal portass psalter

Related words

lay laity

Derived words

aliturgic Divine Liturgy liturgic liturgical liturgics liturgiologist liturgiology liturgism liturgist liturgistic liturgistical liturgize Liturgy of the Hours
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