ostensory

Definition

Noun: - A religious vessel: An "ostensory" is a container or stand used in Christian liturgical practice, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, to display the consecrated Host (the Eucharistic bread) for adoration by the faithful. It is typically made of precious metal and designed with a transparent window to show the Host.

Usage Examples

• (The vessel was used to show the Host during a blessing ceremony.)
• (The container is positioned for worshipers to see and honor the Host.)

Advanced Usage

• "to bear the ostensory": to carry the vessel in a procession.
  • The deacon bore the ostensory in the Corpus Christi procession. (The deacon carried the display vessel during the religious parade.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ostensorium (n): a less common variant spelling of "ostensory," referring to the same vessel.
  • The gold ostensorium gleamed under the church lights. (The display vessel shone brightly.)

Synonyms

• Monstrance: a synonym for "ostensory," especially common in English-speaking Catholic contexts; a vessel designed to display the Host.
  • The monstrance was adorned with rays of light. (The display vessel had decorative sunburst elements.)

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms involving "ostensory," as it is a specialized liturgical term.