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Synonyms

last rites

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.
  1. anointing of the sick.


last rites British  

plural noun

  1. Christianity religious rites prescribed for those close to death

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of last rites

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They are also trying to build consensus around subjects such as the last rites of repatriated remains.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2024

Even if you know something about Kennedy’s lifelong health problems, their extent and seriousness are shocking: He was given last rites twice before his last last rites.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

On the morning of Sept. 11, while administering last rites to a firefighter, Judge, 68, was struck by falling debris and died.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023

Four narrow caskets, recently pulled from the back of a covered truck, rested on stands under an insistent snowfall as an Orthodox priest performed last rites.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2023

Always before, Jim and I had carried them into the mountains to bury them and to give them their last rites, a prayer over a rough wooden cross of birch twigs and twine.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam