Ordain \Or*dain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ordained}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Ordaining}.] [OE. ordeinen, OF. ordener, F. ordonner, fr.
   L. ordinare, from ordo, ordinis, order. See {Order}, and cf.
   {Ordinance}.]
   1. To set in order; to arrange according to rule; to
      regulate; to set; to establish. "Battle well ordained."
      --Spenser.
      
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            The stake that shall be ordained on either side.
                                                  --Chaucer.
      
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   2. To regulate, or establish, by appointment, decree, or law;
      to constitute; to decree; to appoint; to institute.
      
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            Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month. --1
                                                  Kings xii. 32.
      
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            And doth the power that man adores ordain
            Their doom ?                          --Byron.
      
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   3. To set apart for an office; to appoint.
      
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            Being ordained his special governor.  --Shak.
      
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   4. (Eccl.) To invest with ministerial or sacerdotal
      functions; to introduce into the office of the Christian
      ministry, by the laying on of hands, or other forms; to
      set apart by the ceremony of ordination.
      
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            Meletius was ordained by Arian bishops. --Bp.
                                                  Stillingfleet.
      
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