Definition

Proper noun * Maundy Thursday: The Thursday before Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, an event described in the New Testament.

Usage and Examples

• Maundy Thursday is observed with special church services, often including the ritual of foot washing, which reenacts Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
  • Example: Many Christians attend a solemn service on Maundy Thursday.
• The day marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day period leading to Easter Sunday.
  • Example: The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "," meaning "commandment." This refers to the new commandment ("mandatum novum") Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper: "Love one another as I have loved you."
• Maundy Thursday is also sometimes called Holy Thursday.

Variants and Related Words

• Holy Thursday: A synonym for Maundy Thursday.
• Easter Triduum: The three-day period comprising Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, culminating in Easter Sunday.
• Last Supper: The final meal Jesus shared with his disciples, which is the event commemorated on this day.

Synonyms

• Holy Thursday

Noun

1. the Thursday before Easter; commemorates the Last Supper