reliquary

[ rel-i-kwer-ee ]

noun

, plural rel·i·quar·ies.

1. a repository or receptacle for relics.

reliquary

/ ˈrɛlɪkwərɪ /

noun

1. a receptacle or repository for relics, esp relics of saints

Word History and Origins

Origin of reliquary¹

1650–60; < Middle French reliquaire < Medieval Latin reliquiārium, equivalent to Latin reliqui ( ae ) remains ( relic ) + -ārium -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of reliquary¹

C17: from Old French reliquaire , from relique relic

Example Sentences

A fragment of that relic was returned in the 1930s to Brigidine Sisters elsewhere in Ireland and is stored in a small metal reliquary, shaped like an oak tree, an image associated with Brigid.

From Seattle Times

After the announcement of the beatification, a painting of the family was unveiled and a reliquary containing their remains was brought to the centre of the stage.

From Reuters

One reliquary grouping assembles a few of his portable possessions: his camera, some music tapes.

From New York Times

Little known is that the statue is also a reliquary, because in its base Voltaire’s heart is kept.

From New York Times

Inside an ornate reliquary perched within a glass case on a pedestal lie pieces of bone, the knee caps and hair of Bernadette Soubirous.

From BBC