ordain meaning and definition

ORDAIN verb

Definition of ordain (verb)

1. order by virtue of superior authority; decree
   • "The King ordained the persecution and expulsion of the Jews"; "the legislature enacted this law in 1985"
   • synonyms: enact
2. appoint to a clerical posts
   • "he was ordained in the Church"
   • synonyms: consecrate, order, ordinate
3. invest with ministerial or priestly authority
   • "The minister was ordained only last month"
4. issue an order