from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Obit \O"bit\, n. [OF. obit, L. obitus, fr. obire to go against,
to go to meet, (sc. mortem) to die; ob (see Ob-) + ire to go.
See {Issue}.]
1. Death; decease; the date of one's death. --Wood.
[1913 Webster]
2. A funeral solemnity or office; obsequies.
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3. A service for the soul of a deceased person on the
anniversary of the day of his death.
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The emoluments and advantages from oblations, obits,
and other sources, increased in value. --Milman.
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4. Same as {obituary}; -- by shortenting.
[PJC]
{Post obit} [L. post obitum]. See {Post-obit}.
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from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
OBIT. That particular solemnity or office for the dead, which the Roman
Catholic church appoints to be read or performed over the body of a deceased
member of that communion before interment; also the office which, upon the
anniversary of his death, was frequently used as a commemoration or
observance of the day. 2 Cro. 51; Dyer, 313.