monstrance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an ornamental vessel with a transparent central compartment in which the consecrated Eucharistic host is displayed for veneration

   The priest raised the jewelled monstrance above the altar during Benediction.

From Middle English and Old French monstrance, ultimately from Latin monstrare, 'to show.' The name refers to the vessel's function of visibly displaying a sacred object, especially the consecrated host in Roman Catholic worship.

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