tra|di´tion|less

tra|di|tion «truh DIHSH uhn», noun.

1. the handing down of beliefs, opinions, customs, and stories, such as from parents to children, especially by word of mouth or by practice: »

She has been bred up…by a very worldly family, and taught their traditions (Thackeray).

2. what is handed down ihis way: »

According to the old tradition, the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross.

SYNONYM(S): folklore, legend.

3. a) (in Jewish theology) the unwritten laws and doctrines, or any of them, believed to have been received by Moses from God and handed down orally from generation to generation. b) (in Christian theology) the unwritten precepts and doctrines, or any one of them, held to have been received from Jesus and his apostles and handed down orally since then.

4. Law. the delivery of something material to another; transfer.

5. the delivery, especially oral delivery, of information or instruction.

6. Obsolete. a) a giving up; surrender. b) betrayal.

╂[< Latin trāditiō, -ōnis < trādere hand down < trāns- over + dare give. See etym. of doublet treason.]

–tra|di´tion|less, adjective.