Definition of: invitation

(in′və·tā′shən) noun
1. The act of inviting; courteous solicitation to come to some place or to do some act; especially, a requesting of another's company: a standing invitation to dinner.
2. The means of inviting; the words by which one is invited: a written invitation.
3. The act of alluring; incitement; attraction.
4. In the Anglican Church, the hortatory introduction preceding the confession in the communion office; the invitatory. [<L invitatio, -onis]