Bāp'tism, n.

n. [O. Fr. & Pr. baptisme, N. Fr. baptême, Lat. baptisma, Gr. Βάπτισμα, Βαπτισμός, from βαπτίζειν, to baptize, from βάπτειν, to dip in water.] The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is usually performed by sprinkling or immersion.

To his great baptism flocked, With awe, the regions round. Milton.

Hypothetical baptism (Church of England), baptism when administered to persons in respect to whom it is doubtful whether they have or have not been baptized before. The formula in this case is, “If thou art not already baptized, I baptize thee,” &c. Hook.