Hail Mary

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English Heil Marie. The extended figurative sense alludes to the notion of saying a prayer that the action will succeed. === Noun === Hail Mary (plural Hail Marys or Hail Maries) (Christianity) A prayer, of established or conventional wording, calling for the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Synonyms: angelic salutation, ave, Ave Maria Coordinate terms: Our Father, Lord's Prayer, paternoster (figurative, usually attributive, US) A risky last-ditch effort with great benefit but little chance of success; one whose success would require divine intervention; a Hail Mary pass. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === Hail Mary (third-person singular simple present Hail Marys, present participle Hail Marying, simple past and past participle Hail Maryed) (often reflexive) To pray by saying a Hail Mary. === Further reading === Hail Mary prayer on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Hail Mary pass on Wikipedia.Wikipedia