Commonly meant, in the Middle Ages, a ritual book containing directions for liturgical functions not including prayers; directions for a single function, or for several functions, e.g., the rite of Baptism, the consecration of a church, Extreme Unction, etc.; and a brief conspectus of daily office and Mass adapted to local calendars. A considerable number of Ordines are preserved among manuscripts from the 8th to the 12th century.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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