vocation
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- the particular occupation for which you are trainedSynonyms: careercallingType of occupation, businessKinds specialization, walk of life, business life, lifework
- a body of people doing the same kind of workSynonyms: occupational groupType of bodyKinds profession, press corps
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. vocatio a bidding, invitation, fr. vocare to call, fr. vox, vocis, voice: cf. F. vocation. See Vocal.
1. A call; a summons; a citation; especially, a designation or appointment to a particular state, business, or profession.
What can be urged for them who not having the vocation of poverty to scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous?— John Dryden
2. Destined or appropriate employment; calling; occupation; trade; business; profession.
He would think his service greatly rewarded, if he might obtain by that means to live in the sight of his prince, and yet practice his own chosen vocation.— Sir. P. Sidney.
3. Theology A calling by the will of God. Specifically: —
(a) The bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person or nation, by which that person or nation is put in the way of salvation; as, the vocation of the Jews under the old dispensation, and of the Gentiles under the gospel. “The golden chain of vocation, election, and justification.” Taylor, Jeremy
(b) A call to special religious work, as to the ministry.
Every member of the same [the Church], in his vocation and ministry.— Bk. of Com. Prayer.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54