Definition

Noun: A shallow dish or plate, typically made of metal or wood, passed among attendees during a religious service to collect monetary offerings or donations.

Usage

The term "collection plate" is used specifically in the context of religious gatherings, particularly in Christian churches, to refer to the physical object used for gathering financial contributions from the congregation. It is a compound noun where "collection" modifies "plate" to specify its purpose.

Examples

• The ushers walked down the aisles, passing the collection plate from row to row.
• She placed a few dollars into the collection plate when it came to her.
• The church uses a large, brass collection plate for the Sunday offering.

Advanced Usage

• "to pass the collection plate": This phrase describes the action of circulating the plate among the congregation.
  • The deacon will now pass the collection plate.
• "to take up a collection": While this phrase describes the act of collecting money, it often implies the use of a collection plate.
  • They will take up a collection for the building fund after the service.

Variants and Related Words

• Offering plate: A synonym for "collection plate," used interchangeably in many churches.
• Alms dish: A more archaic or formal term with a similar meaning, often used in historical contexts.
• Collection basket: A variant; a basket may be used instead of a plate for the same purpose.

Synonyms

• Offering plate
• Alms dish
• Donation plate

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Pass the hat": An informal idiom meaning to collect money from a group of people. While similar in concept, it is not specific to religious settings and does not involve a plate.
  • After the concert, they passed the hat to pay the musicians.

Noun

1. a shallow receptacle for collection in church