visitation: Meaning and Definition of

vis•it•a•tion

1. the act of visiting.
2. a formal visit, as one permitted by a court's granting of visitation rights or by parents invited to a school to observe the work of students.
3. a visit for the purpose of making an official examination or inspection, as of a bishop to a diocese.
4. (usually cap.) the visit of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Luke 1:36–56.
5. (cap.) a church festival, held on July 2, in commemoration of this visit.
6. the administration of comfort or aid, or of affliction or punishment: a visitation of the plague.
7. an affliction or punishment, as from God.
8. the appearance or coming of a supernatural influence or spirit.