Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious offering or sacrifice: "Oblation" refers to something offered to God or a deity, especially in a religious ceremony.
   • The act of making such an offering: "Oblation" can also mean the act of presenting an offering, particularly in a Christian context, such as the offering of bread and wine during the Eucharist.
   • A charitable donation or contribution: In a broader sense, "oblation" can denote a gift or contribution made for religious or charitable purposes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The priest prepared the oblation of bread and wine. (The priest prepared the offering of bread and wine.)
  • Faithful parishioners made oblations to support the church's mission. (Faithful parishioners made contributions to support the church's mission.)
  • Ancient rituals often involved an oblation to the gods. (Ancient rituals often involved a sacrifice to the gods.)

Advanced Usage

• "To make an oblation": to formally present a religious offering.
  • The worshippers came forward to make an oblation at the altar.
• "Eucharistic oblation": specifically refers to the offering of the bread and wine in the Christian Mass.
  • The theology of the Eucharistic oblation is central to some Christian doctrines.

Variants and Related Words

• Oblate (noun): A person dedicated to religious life, especially in a monastic community.
  • He lived as an oblate in the monastery.
• Oblatory (adjective, rare): Pertaining to an offering or sacrifice.
  • The oblatory rites were performed at dawn.

Synonyms

• Offering: A thing offered, especially as a religious sacrifice.
• Sacrifice: An act of offering something precious to a deity.
• Donation: Something given to a charity or religious institution.
• Contribution: A gift or payment to a common fund or cause.

Related Phrases

• Oblation of the Mass: A traditional term for the offering of the Eucharist.
  • The Oblation of the Mass is a key moment in the liturgy.
• To present one's oblation: To formally give one's offering.
  • The congregation was invited to present their oblations.

Related Idioms

(Note: "Oblation" is a formal, specific term and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily in religious or formal charitable contexts.)

Noun

1. the act of offering the bread and wine of the Eucharist
2. the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity
   • oblations for aid to the poor