tradition

A practice that exists because of precedent (i.e. "That's the way we've always done it"), perhaps under the presumption that the precedent exists for a purpose, or perhaps due to lack of imagination. Rigid adherence to tradition is a terrible vice which defines most social conservatives. Reckless disregard of tradition is typical in foolish young people.

Tra*di"tion (?), n. [OE. tradicioun, L. traditio, from tradere to give up, transmit. See Treason, Traitor.]

1.

The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.

Blackstone.

2.

The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice, from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials.

3.

Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials; custom or practice long observed.

Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon an honorable respect? Shak.

Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pr'e. Longfellow.

4. Theol. (a)

An unwritten code of law represented to have been given by God to Moses on Sinai.

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered. Mark vii. 13.

(b)

That body of doctrine and discipline, or any article thereof, supposed to have been put forth by Christ or his apostles, and not committed to writing.

Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thess. ii. 15.

Tradition Sunday Eccl., Palm Sunday; -- so called because the creed was then taught to candidates for baptism at Easter.

© Webster 1913.

Tra*di"tion, v. t.

To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.

The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics. Fuller.

© Webster 1913.