Rogation

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to
     ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. {Abrogate},
     {Arrogant}, {Probogue}.]
     1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a
        law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in
              use.                                  --Hooker.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Rogation days} (Eccl.), the three days which immediately
        precede Ascension {Day}; -- so called as being days on
        which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of
        special supplication.
  
     {Rogation flower} (Bot.), a European species of milkwort
        ({Polygala vulgaris}); -- so called from its former use
        for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.
  
     {Rogation week}, the second week before Whitsunday, in which
        the Rogation days occur.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  rogation
       n : a solemn supplication ceremony prescribed by the church