maundy

[ mawn-dee ]

noun

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

maundy

/ ˈmɔːndɪ /

noun

1. 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

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

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

Example Sentences

Today is ‘Maundy Thursday’ in the Christian calendar, and the purses are known as ‘Maundy Money’.

From The Daily Beast

The almoner also superintended the daily maundy, or washing the feet of the poor selected for that purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

On Maundy Thursday, to set forth the anointing, which is consecrated to the purification of the soul.

From Project Gutenberg

Young dandelion greens are eaten on Maundy Thursday in order to remain well throughout the year.

From Project Gutenberg

After this maundy they were fed and sent away with a small present of money.

From Project Gutenberg

The ceremony observed on the day was called holding or making the Maundy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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