Etymology

Noun

1. The act of washing or cleansing; specifically, the washing of the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.
2. The water used in cleansing.
   • Alexander Pope

     Cast the ablutions in the main.

3. The rinsing of the priest's hand following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest.
4. The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.

Noun

1. Ritual rinsing of the priest's hand; ablution.
2. A washing, especially ritual.