01 A salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary, as mother of God; -- used in the Roman Catholic church.
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1.
A salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary, as mother of God; -- used in the Roman Catholic church.“To number Ave Maries on his beads.” — Shak.
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2.
A particular time (as in Italy, at the ringing of the bells about half an hour after sunset, and also at early dawn), when the people repeat the Ave Maria.“Ave Maria ! blessed be the hour !” — Byron.