ostensorium
Noun: 1. A liturgical vessel used in the Roman Catholic Church: An ostensorium (also called a monstrance) is a sacred vessel, typically crafted from precious metals like gold or silver, designed to hold and publicly display the consecrated Eucharistic Host for the purpose of adoration by the faithful.
The word "ostensorium" is a formal, specialized term used exclusively in a Roman Catholic liturgical context. It refers to the physical object used during ceremonies of Eucharistic adoration, such as Benediction.
Examples: * The priest placed the consecrated host inside the ornate ostensorium. * During the procession, the faithful gazed upon the ostensorium containing the Blessed Sacrament. * The antique ostensorium in the cathedral museum is made of solid gold and adorned with jewels.
- The term is often used interchangeably with "monstrance," though "monstrance" (from the Latin , "to show") is more common in modern English. "Ostensorium" (from the Latin , "to show") is its direct etymological equivalent and is favored in more formal or traditional contexts.
- Monstrance (n.): The most common synonym for "ostensorium."
- Tabernacle (n.): A different liturgical vessel: a fixed, locked box or safe where the consecrated hosts are or stored, not displayed.
- Ciborium (n.): A vessel with a lid used to hold the consecrated hosts for distribution during Communion, not for display.
- Monstrance
The "ostensorium" has one primary meaning: the vessel for displaying the Host. Its significance is entirely theological and liturgical, representing the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is not used in secular or general contexts.
- (Roman Catholic Church) a vessel (usually of gold or silver) in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration