SANCTUS

Sanc"tus, n. Etym: [L. sanctus, p.p. of sancire.]

1. (Eccl.)

Definition: A part of the Mass, or, in Protestant churches, a part of the communion service, of which the first words in Latin are Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus [Holy, holy, holy]; -- called also Tersanctus.

2. (Mus.)

Definition: An anthem composed for these words. Sanctus bell, a small bell usually suspended in a bell cot at the apex of the nave roof, over the chancel arch, in mediæval churches, but a hand bell is now often used; -- so called because rung at the singing of the sanctus, at the conclusion of the ordinary of the Mass, and again at the elevation of the host. Called also Mass bell, sacring bell, saints' bell, sance- bell, sancte bell.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

27 March 2025

SUCCESS

(noun) an event that accomplishes its intended purpose; “let’s call heads a success and tails a failure”; “the election was a remarkable success for the Whigs”


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Coffee Trivia

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world. Each year Brazil exports more than 44 million bags of coffee. Vietnam follows at exporting over 27 million bags each year.

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