Prayer (&?;; 277), n.
[OE. preiere, OF. preiere, F. prière, fr. L. precarius obtained by prayer, fr. precari to pray. See Pray, v. i.]
1. The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or
memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body. "Their meek preyere." Chaucer
2. The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God;
the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer.
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
Shak.
3. The form of words used in praying; a
formula of supplication; an expressed
petition; especially,
a supplication addressed
to God; as, a written or
extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's
prayers.
He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death.
Bp. Fell. Prayer book, a book containing devotional
prayers. -- Prayer meeting, a meeting or gathering for prayer to God.
Syn. -- Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit.
Pray"er (?), n. One who prays; a
supplicant.
Hear it pronounced