1perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to acquire, improve or maintain proficiency in it:I need to practise my French [no object]:they were practising for the Olympics
2carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly:we still practise some of these rituals today
actively pursue or be engaged in (a particular profession or occupation):he began to practise law [no object]:he practised as a barrister (as adjective practising)a practising architect
observe the teaching and rules of (a particular religion): (as adjective practising)a practising Roman Catholic
3 [no object] archaic scheme or plot for an evil purpose:what a tangled web we weave when we first practise to deceive
