[bap-tiz-uh
m] 
| 1. | Ecclesiastical. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church. |
| 2. | any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc. |
| 3. | a trying or purifying experience or initiation. |
| 4. | Christian Science. purification of thought and character. |
| bap·tism (bāp'tĭz'əm) n.
[Middle English baptisme, from Old French, from Late Latin baptismus, from Greek baptismos, from baptizein, to baptize; see baptize.] bap·tis'mal adj., bap·tis'mal·ly adv. |