[ noun ] a solemn supplication ceremony prescribed by the church <noun.communication>
Rogation \Ro*ga"tion\, n. [L. rogatio, fr. rogare, rogatum, to ask, beg, supplicate: cf. F. rogation. Cf. {Abrogate}, {Arrogant}, {Probogue}.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) The demand, by the consuls or tribunes, of a law to be passed by the people; a proposed law or decree.
2. (Eccl.) Litany; supplication.
He perfecteth the rogations or litanies before in use. --Hooker.
{Rogation days} (Eccl.), the three days which immediately precede Ascension {Day}; -- so called as being days on which the people, walking in procession, sang litanies of special supplication.
{Rogation flower} (Bot.), a European species of milkwort ({Polygala vulgaris}); -- so called from its former use for garlands in Rogation week. --Dr. Prior.
{Rogation week}, the second week before Whitsunday, in which the Rogation days occur.