monstrance

[ mon-struhns ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. a receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration.

monstrance

/ ˈmɒnstrəns /

noun

1. RC Church a receptacle, usually of gold or silver, with a transparent container in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration

Word History and Origins

Origin of monstrance¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin mōnstrantia, equivalent to mōnstr ( āre ) to show ( muster ) + -antia -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of monstrance¹

C16: from Medieval Latin mōnstrantia, from Latin mōnstrāre to show

Example Sentences

Each procession is being led by a priest holding a monstrance — typically a sunburst-patterned vessel that displays the host, or bread wafer consecrated by a priest at Mass.

From Seattle Times

At LACMA, a stunning silver monstrance, sumptuous church vestment embroidery, boxes inlaid with bone and tortoiseshell, and carved wooden trays painted in a dense profusion of floral patterns draw the comparison.

From Los Angeles Times

Presiding would have required standing, kneeling and holding aloft a monstrance, a heavy gold vessel used to hold the communion host during vespers.

From Reuters

She turned to the tabernacle, a brass vessel behind the monstrance, and opened its small doors carved like a cross.

From New York Times

It was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated host displayed in a monstrance held by the priest.

From Washington Post