purificator

[ pyoor-uh-fi-key-ter ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. the linen cloth used by the celebrant for wiping the chalice after each communicant has drunk from it.
2. a sponge wrapped in cloth used by the celebrant for wiping the hands.

purificator

/ ˈpjʊərɪfɪˌkeɪtə /

noun

1. Christianity a small white linen cloth used to wipe the chalice and paten and also the lips and fingers of the celebrant at the Eucharist

Word History and Origins

Origin of purificator¹

1850–55; < Latin pūrificā ( re ) to purify + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

From a piece of cloth, I made a purificator and the other holy cloths, all tiny.

From Time Magazine Archive

Purificator.—The name given to a small linen napkin used for wiping the sacred vessels after a Celebration.

From Project Gutenberg

For the first, the liberal use of cold water and observance of free ventilation, with slaked lime to wash the walls, and quick lime when they can get it, to purify their dung heaps and necessaries, are among the best; but when actually infected, then heat is the only purificator yet known of an infected dwelling.

From Project Gutenberg

The purificator is a small towel, which serves to wipe the chalice and the hands and mouth of the priest, after he has received the B. Sacrament.

From Project Gutenberg

He takes the chalice—that is, the long silver or gold goblet—out of its case; then he covers it with a long, narrow, white linen cloth called a purificator.

From Project Gutenberg