View synonyms for maundy

maundy

[ mawn-dee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the ceremony of washing the feet of poor people, especially commemorating Jesus' washing of His disciples' feet on Maundy Thursday.
Also called maundy money. money distributed as alms in conjunction with the ceremony of maundy or on Maundy Thursday.

maundy

/ ˈmɔːndɪ /

noun

Christianity the ceremonial washing of the feet of poor persons in commemoration of Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet (John 13:4–34) re-enacted in some churches on Maundy Thursday

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of maundy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandātum “command, mandate” (from the opening phrase novum mandātum (Vulgate) of Jesus' words to the disciples after He had washed their feet); mandate

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of maundy¹

C13: from Old French mandé something commanded, from Latin mandatum commandment, from the words of Christ: Mandātum novum dō vōbīs A new commandment give I unto you

Discover More

Example Sentences

When the King wasn’t at events, such as the Maundy Service and the Commonwealth Service, there were video and audio messages played instead.

From BBC

Camilla, once shunned by the public for her role in the breakup of Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana, played a particularly prominent role during the king’s absence, standing in for her husband at major events such as the annual Royal Maundy service on the Thursday before Easter.

From Seattle Times

On Holy Thursday, known in Britain as Maundy Thursday, Charles skipped a service at which the monarch traditionally hands out gifts of special “Maundy Money” coins to people involved in community service.

From New York Times

Earlier this week the King spoke of his "great sadness" at missing the traditional Maundy Thursday service, which was instead attended by Queen Camilla.

From BBC

Related Words

Maunder minimum Maundy money

Browse