To sprinkle or spray with liquid; to dampen or drench.
From Latin 'aspergere' (to sprinkle), from 'ad-' (toward) + 'spargere' (to scatter or sprinkle). This verb entered English through ecclesiastical use, particularly in religious rituals involving holy water.
Catholic priests asperge congregations with holy water during certain rituals—this practice comes from ancient purification ceremonies, and the Latin word perfectly captures the spraying motion.
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