missal

[ mis-uhl ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church. the book containing the prayers and rites used by the priest in celebrating Mass over the course of the entire year.
2. any book of prayers or devotions.

missal

/ ˈmɪsəl /

noun

1. RC Church a book containing the prayers, rites, etc, of the Masses for a complete year

Word History and Origins

Origin of missal¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin missāle, noun use of neuter of missālis, equivalent to miss ( a ) Mass + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of missal¹

C14: from Church Latin missale (n), from missālis concerning the Mass

Example Sentences

All told, the missal numbered 309 pages in its original form.

From Seattle Times

She remembers weeping as she said her goodbyes to the nuns, including her beloved Sister Claudia, who gave her a missal and a 14th birthday card – her first ever present.

From The Guardian

Standing by the lectern to turn the pages of the missal was Robin in scarlet cassock and white linen cotta.

From Literature

A year later, Francis publicly reprimanded Sarah for misinterpreting a new instruction giving bishops’ conferences the right to translate Mass missals.

From Seattle Times

The 12th-century missal’s mystique relies on St. Francis and two followers debating God’s plan for them.

From New York Times