oblation

[ o-bley-shuhn ]

noun

1. the offering to God of the elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist.
2. the whole office of the Eucharist.
3. the act of making an offering, especially to a deity.
4. any offering for religious or charitable uses.

oblation

/ ˈɒblətərɪ; ɒˈbleɪʃən; -trɪ /

noun

1. the offering of the bread and wine of the Eucharist to God
2. any offering made for religious or charitable purposes

Derived Forms

• oblatory, adjective

Other Words From

• ob·la·to·ry [ob, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], ob·lation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblation¹

1375–1425; late Middle English oblacion < Late Latin oblātion- (stem of oblātiō ), equivalent to oblāt ( us ) ( oblate ² ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblation¹

C15: from Church Latin oblātiō; see oblate ²

Example Sentences

I prefer the new book, agreeing with the author when she writes that in the diaries there is “something raw and dark, without salvation, a kind of oblation.”

From New York Times

Some went to the extent of pouring milk over the image in an oblation ritual reserved for idol worship in Hindu temples.

From BBC

Just as oblations to the poor will puff up one’s sense of self, “tipping well” — 20 percent or more — is a measure of one’s personal decency.

From Salon

I thank God, who has deigned to accept this final oblation from me.

From Project Gutenberg

Marriage and funeral ceremonies were refused until the fees demanded were paid in advance, and the Eucharist was withheld from the communicant unless he offered an oblation.

From Project Gutenberg