ablution

The story

1. Late Latin · derived fromablūtiō“a washing away”
2. Old French · derived fromablution
3. Middle English · inherited fromablucioun“cleansing of impurities”
4. English todayablution

From Middle English ablucioun (“cleansing of impurities”), from Old French ablution, and its source, Late Latin ablūtiō (“a washing away”), from abluō (“wash away”), from ab- (“away”) + lavō (“wash”).

First known use, by meaning

• First attested from around 1350 to 1470. Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance.
• From mid 16ᵗʰ century. The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.
• From mid 18ᵗʰ century. Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up.
• from 17th c. The rinsing of the priest's hand and the sacred vessel following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest.
• From early 18ᵗʰ century. The liquid used in the cleansing or ablution.
• From mid 20ᵗʰ century. The location or building where the showers and basins are located.