orison
Say it: OR-ih-zuhn /ˈɒrɪzən/ · noun
What “orison” means
An old-fashioned word for a prayer.
More precisely: A prayer, in old or literary language.
Example: “She whispered a silent orison before stepping onto the stage.”
When to use it
Use it for a prayer in poetry, historical writing or a deliberately solemn, old-fashioned tone.
Similar words
prayer, invocation, supplication
Where it comes from
Old French oreison, from Latin oratio 'speech'.
Quick check
In a historical novel, a traveller kneels in a chapel and quietly asks God for protection. That's…
an orison or an oath?
Show the answer
an orison
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