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

The 'ordination' ceremony follows a similar liturgy to that which men becoming Catholic priests would experience - including the laying on of hands and prayer of consecration.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2022

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

From Washington Times • Oct. 6, 2020

“I just knew that this show needed a laying on of hands that only women can do,” Hall said.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2020

At the conclusion of Taize, there will be prayers for healing with laying on of hands.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2017

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