(Latin: ad, to; orare, to pray; or os, oris, mouth: from the pagan custom of expressing preference for a god by wafting a kiss to the statue)
An act of religion offered to God alone in recognition of His infinite perfection and supreme dominion, and of the creature's dependence on Him. It is an act of mind and will expressing itself exteriorly by postures of reverence and prayers of praise. It is loosely used to express admiration and affection for creatures.
New Catholic Dictionary
