Asperges

[ uh-spur-jeez ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. the rite of sprinkling the altar, clergy, and people with holy water before High Mass.

Asperges

/ æˈspɜːdʒiːz /

noun

1. a short rite preceding Mass, in which the celebrant sprinkles those present with holy water to the accompaniment of the chant Asperges me, Domine
2. the chant opening with these words

Word History and Origins

Origin of Asperges¹

< Latin: thou shalt sprinkle (2nd person singular future of aspergere ). See a- ⁵, sparge

Word History and Origins

Origin of Asperges¹

C16: from Latin Asperges ( me hyssopo ) Thou shalt purge (me with hyssop)

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, during a three-course meal of cabillaud et asperges on the seventh floor, Jean-Michel Jarre tells me the time is right for her to lead the UN: “We need a woman,” he says.

From The Guardian

At his feet is the sacred fountain of Castalia or Hippocrene, into the waters of which the other two Muses are sportively dipping "sprinklers" or asperges.

From Project Gutenberg

As for vegetables, whether cabbages, lettuces, des asperges, celery, watercresses, parsley, beans, peas, radishes, turnips, carrots, cauliflowers, and onions, a pennyworth would last a man a week.

From Project Gutenberg

The world premiere of Crabtree's "Asperges Me" closes Thursday's concert.

From Seattle Times

This rumour became an established fact when the Abb� Laroche was seen proceeding from the church upon the hill with asperges brush and a shell of holy water.

From Project Gutenberg