Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thurible is a metal container, typically suspended on chains, in which incense is burned during religious ceremonies, especially in Christian liturgical traditions. It is designed to be swung gently to disperse the fragrant smoke.

Usage

• The thurible is used primarily in liturgical settings to carry burning incense. The person handling it, often called a thurifer, swings it on its chains to spread the incense smoke as a symbol of prayers rising to heaven or for purification.
• Example: The priest walked down the aisle, the thurible swinging gently and filling the cathedral with the scent of frankincense.

Advanced Usage

• "To cense with a thurible": This phrase describes the ritual act of using the thurible to spread incense smoke over an object, person, or space.
  • The bishop censed the altar with the thurible at the beginning of the solemn Mass.

Variants and Related Words

• Censer (n): A direct synonym for thurible; a container for burning incense.
• Incense boat (n): A small vessel, often used alongside a thurible, that holds the incense grains before they are placed in the thurible.
• Thurifer (n): The altar server or cleric who carries and swings the thurible during a service.

Synonyms

• Censer: A container for burning incense.
• Incense burner: A general term for any vessel used to burn incense.

Related Phrases

• To swing the thurible: The specific action of moving the thurible on its chains.
  • The acolyte learned how to properly swing the thurible without spilling the hot coals.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated: The word thurible is a specific liturgical object and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions outside of religious contexts.

Noun

1. a container for burning incense (especially one that is swung on a chain in a religious ritual)