pyx

or pix

[ piks ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. the box or vessel in which the reserved Eucharist or Host is kept.
   2. a watch-shaped container for carrying the Eucharist to the sick.
2. Also called pyx chest. a box or chest at a mint, in which specimen coins are deposited and reserved for trial by weight and assay.

pyx

/ pɪks /

noun

1. Also calledpyx chest the chest in which coins from the British mint are placed to be tested for weight, etc
2. Christianity any receptacle in which the Eucharistic Host is kept

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyx¹

1350–1400; Middle English pyxe < Latin pyxis < Greek pyxís a box, originally made of boxwood

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyx¹

C14: from Latin pyxis small box, from Greek, from puxos box tree

Example Sentences

Coins are collected throughout the year and deposited in so-called Pyx boxes, from which jurors randomly select the coins to be tested.

From Seattle Times

The tradition — known as the Trial of the Pyx — amounts to a very old type of consumer protection designed to safeguard the nation’s coinage from counterfeiting or other forms of debasement.

From Seattle Times

When the call comes, Lewis prepares a palm-sized black box containing, for believers, the sacred instruments of redemption: a crucifix, a vial of holy water, olive oil blessed by the Bishop for anointing, and a pyx, a gold disc containing the Eucharist.

From Washington Times

With the consecrated Eucharist in a pyx worn close to his heart, Carlos - known as “Father Josh” to many of his parishioners - carried a cross with him the first time, blessing the faithful curbside.

From Washington Times

The trial of the Pyx is the formal testing of the coin of the realm, to ensure its being of the requisite weight and fineness.

From Nature