- Prayer
- Prayer Prayer (?; 277), n. [OE. preiere, OF. preiere, F.
pri[`e]re, fr. L. precarius obtained by prayer, fr. precari
to pray. See {Pray}, v. i.]
1. The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request
or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a
court or a legislative body. ``Their meek preyere.''
--Chaucer
[1913 Webster]
2. The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer. [1913 Webster]
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers. [1913 Webster]
He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death. --Bp. Fell. [1913 Webster]
{Prayer book}, a book containing devotional prayers.
{Prayer meeting}, a meeting or gathering for prayer to God. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.