Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ritual \Rit"u*al\, a.[L. ritualis, fr. ritus a rite: cf. F.
   rituel.]
   Of or pertaining to rites or ritual; as, ritual service or
   sacrifices; the ritual law.

Ritual \Rit"u*al\, n. [Cf. F. rituel.]
   1. A prescribed form of performing divine service in a
      particular church or communion; as, the Jewish ritual.

   2. Hence, the code of ceremonies observed by an organization;
      as, the ritual of the freemasons.

   3. A book containing the rites to be observed.

Source : WordNet®

ritual
     adj 1: of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals;
            "ritual killing"
     2: of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals; "a
        ritual dance of Haiti"; "sedate little colonial tribe with
        its ritual tea parties"- Nadine Gordimer

ritual
     n 1: any customary observance or practice [syn: {rite}]
     2: the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
     3: stereotyped behavior