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WOTD: ordain

Posted on January 6, 2021December 30, 2020 by Wordsmyth

transitive verb

1. to proclaim or authorize (a person) to be a Christian priest or minister, or a rabbi, esp. by a formal ceremony.
The bishop will ordain two new priests next month.
His family was very proud when he was ordained as a rabbi.
The church ordained her a Minister of the Gospel.

2. to establish, order, or proclaim, esp. by authoritative decree.
A constitution ordains certain rights.
The city authorities ordained that the asylum be closed down.

3. to predestine, as by fate or the wish of a deity.
Believing this tragedy was ordained by God helps him to accept it.

intransitive verb

to give a command or decree.
It will be as God ordains.

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