Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for Eucharistic wafers: A small, often round box or receptacle used in Christian liturgy to hold the consecrated bread (wafers) for Holy Communion, especially for distribution to the sick or for reservation.
   • A chest for assay coins: A box or chest at the British Royal Mint where sample gold and silver coins are stored to be officially tested (assayed) for weight and purity.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Liturgical):
  • The priest carefully placed the consecrated host in the pyx before visiting the hospital.
  • The antique silver pyx was displayed in the museum's religious artifacts collection.
• Noun (Numismatic):
  • The coins were sealed in the pyx for the annual Trial of the Pyx, a traditional assay ceremony.
  • Officials transferred the minted coins to the pyx to await assay.

Advanced Usage

• "Trial of the Pyx": A historic judicial ceremony in the United Kingdom where coins from the Royal Mint are tested to ensure they meet legal standards.
  • The Trial of the Pyx is an ancient quality control procedure that dates back to the 12th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Pix (noun): An alternative, less common spelling for "pyx," especially in the liturgical sense.
• Ciborium (noun): A related liturgical vessel, typically a covered cup, used for storing consecrated Eucharistic hosts. A pyx is generally smaller and used for transport.
• Assay (noun/verb): The testing of metal, especially coins, for purity. Directly related to the numismatic meaning of pyx.

Synonyms

• Container (general): For the liturgical sense.
• Receptacle (general): For the liturgical sense.
• Chest (general): For the numismatic sense.
• Coffer (general): For the numismatic sense.

Related Phrases

• To be placed in the pyx: Refers to coins being stored for assay or wafers being stored for Communion.
  • The newly minted sovereigns were placed in the pyx.
• To carry the pyx: Refers to the act of transporting the Eucharist.
  • The deacon was tasked to carry the pyx to the homebound parishioners.

Noun

1. any receptacle in which wafers for the Eucharist are kept
2. a chest in which coins from the mint are held to await assay