Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - tradition

 noun  Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin ~-, traditio action of handing over, ~ — more at treason  Date: 14th century  1.  a. an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)  b. a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable the bulk of ~s attributed to the Prophet — J. L. Esposito  2. the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction  3. cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions  4. characteristic manner, method, or style in the best liberal ~  • ~al adjective  • ~ally adverb  • ~less adjective