pyx

or pix

[ piks ]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. the box or vessel in which the reserved Eucharist or Host is kept.
   2. a watch-shaped container for carrying the Eucharist to the sick.
2. Also called pyx chest. a box or chest at a mint, in which specimen coins are deposited and reserved for trial by weight and assay.

pyx

/ pɪks /

noun

1. Also calledpyx chest the chest in which coins from the British mint are placed to be tested for weight, etc
2. Christianity any receptacle in which the Eucharistic Host is kept

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyx¹

1350–1400; Middle English pyxe < Latin pyxis < Greek pyxís a box, originally made of boxwood

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyx¹

C14: from Latin pyxis small box, from Greek, from puxos box tree

Example Sentences

With the consecrated Eucharist in a pyx worn close to his heart, Carlos - known as “Father Josh” to many of his parishioners - carried a cross with him the first time, blessing the faithful curbside.

From Washington Times

Members found 50 feet of gold chain and a gold-filigree pyx, or frame.

From Washington Times

He blends piety and passion in the most mystically amorous fashion; with the cantando expressivo in D, begins some lovely music, secular in spirit, mayhap intended by its creator for reredos and pyx.

From Project Gutenberg

Only a very small particle is to be brought in the pyx.

From Project Gutenberg

Then to please the females, he described to them the reliquaries, feretories, calices, crosiers, crosses, pyxes, monstrances, and other wonders ecclesiastical, and the goblets, hanaps, watches, clocks, chains, brooches, &c., so that their mouths watered.

From Project Gutenberg