–noun

1.	a formal or ceremonial act or procedure prescribed or customary in religious or other solemn use: rites of baptism; sacrificial rites.

2.	a particular form or system of religious or other ceremonial practice: the Roman rite.

3.	(often initial capital letter) one of the historical versions of the Eucharistic service: the Anglican Rite.

4.	(often initial capital letter) liturgy.

5.	(sometimes d9d initial capital letter) Eastern Church, Western Church. a division or differentiation of churches according to liturgy.

6.	any customary observance or practice: the rite of afternoon tea.

–verb (used with object)

1.	to provide support for or relief to; help: to aid the homeless victims of the fire.

2.	to promote the progress or accomplishment of; facilitate.

–verb (used without object)

3.	to give help or assistance.

–noun

4.	help or support; assistance.

5.	a person or thing that aids or furnishes assistance; helper; auxiliary.

6.	aids, Manège. a. Also called natural aids. the means by which a rider communicates with and controls a horse, as the hands, legs, voice, and shifts in weight. b. Also called artificial aids. the devices by means of which a rider increases control of a horse, as spurs, whip, and martingale.

7.	aide-de-camp.

8.	foreign aid.

9.	a payment made by feudal vassals to their lord on special occasions.

10.	English History. (after 1066) any of several revenues received by a king in the Middle Ages from his vassals and other subjects, limited by the Magna Charta to specified occasions.