viaticum

American  

[vahy-at-i-kuhm, vee-] / vaɪˈæt ɪ kəm, vi- /

noun

plural

viatica, viaticums

1. Ecclesiastical. the Eucharist or Communion as given to a person dying or in danger of death.

2. (among the ancient Romans) a provision or allowance for traveling, originally of transportation and supplies, later of money, made to officials on public missions.

3. money or necessities for any journey.

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viaticum British  

/ vaɪˈætɪkəm /

noun

1. Christianity Holy Communion as administered to a person dying or in danger of death

2. rare provisions or a travel allowance for a journey

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Etymology

Origin of viaticum

1555–65; < Latin viāticum, neuter of viāticus, equivalent to viāt ( us ) (past participle of viāre to travel; see via, -ate ¹) + -icus -ic; cf. voyage

Example Sentences

The voice of the poet deepens steadily right up to his viaticum, delivered to the world at war: We live in a camp.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is a procession, going to carry the viaticum, the last sacrament, to a dying person.

From To Cuba and Back by Dana, Richard Henry

That is my comfort and my viaticum and-- Enough; I am glad to get out of this place; rather would I spin thistles than stay here a day longer.

From Edelweiss A Story by Auerbach, Berthold

The viaticum is the tramp-money that may be claimed from his guild by the travelling workman. 

From A Tramp's Wallet stored by an English goldsmith during his wanderings in Germany and France by Duthie, William

It was a viaticum for the Middle Ages and a signal for the Renaissance.

From Historia Amoris: A History of Love, Ancient and Modern by Saltus, Edgar