from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ave Maria \A"ve Ma*ri"a\, Ave Mary \A"ve Ma"ry\ [From the first
words of the Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary; L. ave
hail, Maria Mary.]
1. A salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary, as mother of
God; -- used in the Roman Catholic church.
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To number Ave Maries on his beads. --Shak.
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2. 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.
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Ave Maria ! blessed be the hour ! --Byron.
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