Word Study
ave mary
CIDE DICTIONARY
ave mary, [From the first words of the Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary; L. ave hail, Maria Mary.].
- A salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary, as mother of God; -- used in the Roman Catholic church. [1913 Webster]"To number Ave Maries on his beads." [1913 Webster]
- A particular time (as in Italy, at the ringing of the bells about half an hour after sunset, and also at early dawn), when the people repeat the Ave Maria. [1913 Webster]"Ave Maria ! blessed be the hour !" [1913 Webster]
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