1. In a religious context; to grant authority to an individual to become a member of the clergy: Mr. Jason was to be ordained as a minister for the local church last week; however, he was ill and the ceremony had to be postponed until the first of next month.
2. To declare or to issue a decree that is meant to be carried out by others: The President ordained that the first Monday of February was to be a special day to celebrate a commemoration for those who have lived to be 100 years or older.