Definition

1. Noun:
   • A basin or bowl used to hold water for the Christian sacrament of baptism: A baptismal font is a fixed receptacle, typically made of stone, metal, or wood, found in a church or chapel, containing the water used for baptisms.

Usage

• The baptismal font is a central fixture in many Christian churches, used during the ceremony of baptism to pour or immerse water on a person's head.
• It is often located near the entrance of a church to symbolize entry into the Christian faith.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The priest blessed the water in the baptismal font before the ceremony.
  • The ancient church features a beautifully carved marble baptismal font.
  • Parents gathered around the baptismal font for their child's christening.

Advanced Usage

• "To be brought to the font": To be taken to the baptismal font for the sacrament of baptism.
  • The infant was brought to the font by her godparents.

Variants and Related Words

• Font (n): A shortened, common term for 'baptismal font'.
  • The baby's name was recorded in the church register after the service at the font.
• Baptistery (n): A separate building or area within a church containing the baptismal font.
  • The tour guide explained the history of the medieval baptistery.

Synonyms

• Baptismal basin: A less common synonym emphasizing the bowl-like shape.
• Holy water font: A term sometimes used, though it can also refer to smaller fonts containing holy water for blessing oneself.

Related Terms and Context

• Chrism: The consecrated oil used in some baptismal rites, often in conjunction with the water from the font.
• Effusion: The act of pouring water from the baptismal font during the sacrament.

Noun

1. bowl for baptismal water