sacrament Definition

sacrament
noun

1. Christianity.
Any of various religious rites or ceremonies, eg marriage or baptism, regarded as a channel to and from God or as a sign of grace. The Protestants recognize baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments, and the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches recognize baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, extreme unction, holy orders or ordination, and matrimony.
2a. Christianity.
The service of the Eucharist or Holy Communion;
Form: Sacrament
2b. Christianity.
The consecrated bread and wine consumed at Holy Communion.
Form: Sacrament
3. A spiritual or secret symbol.
4. A sign, token or pledge.

Etymology: 12c: from Latin sacramentum an oath, from sacrare to consecrate, from sacer sacred.