from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to
ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. {Abrogate},
{Arrogant}, {Probogue}.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a
law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree.
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2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.
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He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in
use. --Hooker.
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{Rogation days} (Eccl.), the three days which immediately
precede Ascension {Day}; -- so called as being days on
which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of
special supplication.
{Rogation flower} (Bot.), a European species of milkwort
({Polygala vulgaris}); -- so called from its former use
for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.
{Rogation week}, the second week before Whitsunday, in which
the Rogation days occur.
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