Tra-dĭ'tion1, n.
(-dĭsh'un), n. [Fr. tradition, Sp. tradicion, It. tradizione, Lat. traditio, fr. tradere, transdere, traditum, to give up, transmit, fr. trans, over, and dare, to give.]
Sense 1. The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.
A deed takes effect only from the tradition or delivery. Blackstone.
Sense 2. The unwritten or oral delivery of opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any opinions or practice from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials.
Sense 3. Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials.
Sense 4. (Theol.) That body of doctrine and discipline, or any article thereof, supposed to have been put forth by Christ or his apostles, and not committed to writing. “Mock at an ancient tradition.” Shak.
Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thess. ii. 15.