paschal lamb

noun

1. Jewish History. a lamb slaughtered and eaten on the eve of the first day of Passover. Exodus 12:3–11.
2. (initial capital letters) Christ.
3. (initial capital letters) any of several symbolic representations of Christ, as the Agnus Dei.
4. (initial capital letters) Also called Holy Lamb. Heraldry. a representation of a lamb passant having around its head a nimbus and supporting on the dexter shoulder a crosslike staff bearing a flag argent charged with a cross gules.

Paschal Lamb

noun

1. sometimes not capitals Old Testament the lamb killed and eaten on the first day of the Passover
2. Christ regarded as this sacrifice

Word History and Origins

Origin of paschal lamb¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English

Example Sentences

Most scholars believe the two holidays were eventually combined in 622 B.C.E. — when, on the orders of Josiah, the king of Judah, a national celebration emerged, which had at its heart a pilgrimage to the Temple and the killing of a Paschal lamb.

From New York Times

The Torah tells us to clear out leaven for the week of Passover and eat unleavened bread, to slaughter the paschal lamb and eat it with matzah and bitter herbs , and to teach the story to our children.

From Washington Post

Soon there will be strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, snow peas and watercress, the paschal lamb, the Easter ham.

From New York Times

“He would pick up the Paschal lamb bone and lead a parade around the table,” Mr. Mankiewicz recalled.

From Washington Post

Google’s top result is a page called “Topical Bible: Types of Christ: Paschal Lamb.”

From Slate