noun
    
    plural -tions
    
    formal :the act of mentioning or referring to someone or something in support of your ideas :the act of invoking something - + of; [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    literary :the act of asking for help or support especially from a god [count]
    
    
    
    
    
    [count] US :a prayer for blessing or guidance at the beginning of a service, ceremony, etc.