noun
aspersion
The sprinkling of water as part of a religious ceremony.
The priest performs an aspersion with water during the ceremony.
Etymology
Latin ad- and spargere combine the ideas of sprinkling toward or upon something. This religious use retains the literal action, with water scattered over a person or object.
More examples
- The service includes a ritual aspersion.
- A small vessel holds the water for aspersion.
- The guide explains the symbolism of the aspersion.
Forms
aspersion · aspersions
Similar words
- sprinkling
- The ordinary physical action without a religious association.
- immersion
- Submerges rather than sprinkles with water.