[ad. L. lavātiōn-em, n. of action f. lavāre to wash.] The action of washing, an instance of this; concr., water for washing.
1627. Hakewill, Apol., IV. i. § 6. 283. Such filthy stuffe was by loose lewd varlets sung before her [Berecynthia’s] charet on the solemne day of her lavation.
1652. H. C., Looking-Glasse for Ladies, 14. If women once be cleansed by lavation.
1800. Med. Jrnl., IV. 27. The beneficial effects of cold lavation in febrile disorders.
1827. Lytton, Pelham, viii. Our lavations are performed in a cracked basin.
1855. T. Guthrie, Gospel in. Ezek. (1856), 247. With this sacred lavation the priest sprinkles the man.
1879. Sala, Paris Herself Again (ed. 4), II. xii. 185. The lavation of their befouled linen.
1894. Gould, Illustr. Dict. Med., Lavation of the Blood, intravenous injection of water.
Hence Lavational a., pertaining to lavation.
1887. Halliwell, Life of Shaks., II. 368. Towels … employed for lavational purposes were called washing-towels.
