Agnus Dei

[ ag-nuhs dee-ahy, de-ee; ah-nyoos de-ee ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a figure of a lamb as emblematic of Christ.
   2. such a representation with the nimbus inscribed with the cross about its head, and supporting the banner of the cross.
2. a prayer addressed to Christ as Savior preceding the communion in the Mass.
3. a musical setting of this prayer.

Agnus Dei

/ ˈæɡnʊs ˈdeɪɪ /

noun

1. the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ
2. a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy
3. a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope

Word History and Origins

Origin of Agnus Dei¹

< Latin: lamb of God

Word History and Origins

Origin of Agnus Dei¹

Latin: Lamb of God

Example Sentences

You cuffed him last Sunday for ringing the bell at the Agnus Dei.

From Project Gutenberg

Sketches for it follow sketches for the Agnus Dei of the mass, which were begun in 1820.

From Project Gutenberg

Some hurried sketches belonging to the Credo are found amongst the remarks of his friends, and also sketches for the Agnus Dei.

From Project Gutenberg

He dwells especially, too, upon the perfect protection afforded by the waxen Agnus Dei.

From Project Gutenberg

I felt round his neck for his identification disc and found he had a medal and Agnus Dei.

From Project Gutenberg