paten

The priest holds the paten during the service.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plate or shallow dish: "paten" refers to a flat, often circular dish, typically made of metal or ceramic, used for serving or holding food.
   • A liturgical vessel: In Christian religious contexts, "paten" specifically denotes the small plate used to hold the bread (host) during the Eucharist or Holy Communion service.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The silver paten was polished before the dinner party. (A shallow dish used for serving food.)
  • The priest placed the consecrated bread on the paten during the Mass. (The liturgical plate used in the Eucharist.)

Advanced Usage

• "paten of the altar": a specific reference to the paten used in the celebration of the Eucharist, often kept on the altar.

  • The paten of the altar was decorated with intricate engravings. (The liturgical dish on the altar had detailed carvings.)

• "paten and chalice": a common pairing in liturgical settings, referring to the plate for bread and the cup for wine.

  • The paten and chalice were brought to the altar by the acolyte. (The two essential vessels for the Eucharist.)

Variants and Related Words

• Patina (n): a thin layer or surface appearance; also a related term from the same Latin root (patina meaning a shallow dish).

  • The copper pot developed a green patina over time. (A surface layer formed by age or oxidation.)

• Patellar (adj): relating to the kneecap, from a different Latin root; not directly related but similar in sound.

Synonyms

• Dish: a general term for a shallow container for serving food.
• Plate: a flat, round dish used for serving or eating food.
• Paten (in liturgical use): paten itself is the specific term, but host plate or communion plate may be used informally.

Related Idioms

• "to have a paten of silver": an old-fashioned expression meaning to possess a valuable or ornate dish, often used metaphorically for wealth or status.
  • The family heirloom was a paten of silver passed down for generations. (A valuable silver dish.)

Notes

• Historical usage: In medieval times, a "paten" could also refer to a metal plate used for coins or offerings in church.
• Etymology: Derived from Latin (a shallow dish or pan), ultimately from Greek (a flat dish).