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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of laying on of hands

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

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