liminality: Meaning and Definition of

lim•i•nal•i•ty

Pronunciation: (lim"u-nal'i-tē), [key]
— n. Anthropol.
  1. the transitional period or phase of a rite of passage, during which the participant lacks social status or rank, remains anonymous, shows obedience and humility, and follows prescribed forms of conduct, dress, etc.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.