laying on of hands

American  

noun

1. Theology. a rite in which the cleric's hands are placed on the head of a person being confirmed, ordained, or the like.

2. (in divine healing) the placing of the hands of the healer upon the person to be cured.

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laying on of hands British  

noun

1. (in Christian ordination, confirmation, faith healing, etc) the act of laying hands on a person's head to confer spiritual blessing

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Etymology

Origin of laying on of hands

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

laying on of hands

So much of religious life remains physical, such as sacraments or the laying on of hands for healing prayer.

From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2021

It said “the word ‘seizure’ readily bears the meaning of a laying on of hands or application of physical force to restrain movement, even when it is ultimately unsuccessful.”

From Washington Post ● Mar. 25, 2021

The school is connected with Bethel Church, a megachurch known for laying on of hands.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 6, 2020

Elders from a commune in the United States were summoned to help with a "laying on of hands" prayer ceremony, she said.

From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2020

And she was horrified by reports of a “psychic healer” who, while conducting research into whether spiritual healing could cure cancer, attempted to kill HeLa cells by a laying on of hands.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot