Noah Webster
Baptism
BAP'TISM, noun [Gr. to baptize.]
1. The application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is usually performed by sprinkling or immersion.
2. The sufferings of Christ. Matt.20:22-23.
3. So much of the gospel as was preached by John, the Baptist. Acts 18:25.