transitive. To bring under the authority of a directory (see directory, n. 2a).
To render formal: (a) to give legal formality to (a document); (b) to render ceremonious, precise, or rigid; (c) to imbue with formalism.
transitive. To render ceremonial or ritualistic.
transitive. To make into ritual or a ritual.
transitive with up: to make (more) ‘spiky’ or High Church; to enliven with ritual.