Definition of: usage

(y′sij, -zij) noun
1. The manner of using or treating a person or thing; treatment; also, the act of using.
2. Customary or habitual practice, or something permitted by it or done in accordance with it; custom or a custom: an act permitted by usage; ancient usages.
3. Law Uniform practice.
4. The way of using words, speech patterns, etc., that is general and established among the majority of the native speakers and writers of a language.
5. Obs. Conduct; behavior. See synonyms under HABIT.
—nonjurors' usages In English and Scottish history, certain ceremonies, including mixing wine with water, prayer for the dead, trine immersion at baptism, the chrism at confirmation, anointing of the sick, etc., adopted by the nonjurors. [<OF <Med. L usaticum <L usus. See USE.]