baptism: Meaning and Definition of
bap•tism
Pronunciation: (bap'tiz-um), [key]
— n.
- a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.
- any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.
- a trying or purifying experience or initiation.
- purification of thought and character.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.