chalice

[ chal-is ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a cup for the wine of the Eucharist or Mass.
   2. the wine contained in it.
2. a drinking cup or goblet.
3. a cuplike blossom.

chalice

/ ˈtʃælɪs /

noun

1. poetic.
   a drinking cup; goblet
2. Christianity a gold or silver cup containing the wine at Mass
3. the calyx of a flower, esp a cup-shaped calyx

Other Words From

• chal·iced [chal, -ist], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalice¹

before 900; Middle English < Middle French < Latin calici- (stem of calix ) cup; replacing Middle English caliz, calc, Old English calic < Latin calici-, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalice¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin calix cup; related to Greek kalux calyx

Example Sentences

The health portfolio can be seen as something of a poisoned chalice, given the huge challenges facing the NHS and social services.

From BBC

Abortion rights advocates will recognize that provision as a poisoned chalice, because even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs.

From Los Angeles Times

Just weeks after guiding Leicester City back to the Premier League, the Italian has quit after one season and opted to take on what many see as a poisoned chalice.

From BBC

“A lot of people said this is a poisoned chalice,” Piper said.

From New York Times

In episode six, traitors Paul, Harry and Miles were tasked with murdering in plain sight by giving a poisoned chalice - the rosé - to their chosen victim.

From BBC