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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Rogation week

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.

  2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.

    He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in use.
    --Hooker.

    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.