PAXES

Noun

paxes

plural of pax

Source: Wiktionary

PAX

Pax, n. Etym: [L. pax peace. See Peace.]

1. (Eccl.)

Definition: The kiss of peace; also, the embrace in the sanctuary now substituted for it at High Mass in Roman Catholic churches.

2. (R. C. Ch.)

Definition: A tablet or board, on which is a representation of Christ, of the Virgin Mary, or of some saint and which, in the Mass, was kissed by the priest and then by the people, in mediæval times; an osculatory. It is still used in communities, confraternities, etc. Kiss the pax, and be quiet like your neighbors. Chapman.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition