Tra*di"tion (?), n. [OE. tradicioun, L. traditio, from tradere to give
up, transmit. See Treason, Traitor.] 1. The act of delivering into the
hands of another; delivery. "A deed takes effect only from the
tradition or delivery." Blackstone.
2. The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines,
practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to
posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice,
from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written
memorials.
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; custom or practice long observed.
Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon an honorable respect?
Shak.
Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pré.
Longfellow.
4. (Theol.) (a) An unwritten code of law represented to have been given
by God to Moses on Sinai.
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye
have delivered.
Mark vii. 13.
(b) 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.
Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether
by word or our epistle.