Bénitier is a French word that has been adopted into the English language. It is a term that is often used in religious contexts, particularly in Catholicism. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bénitier, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bénitier is a noun that refers to a holy water font or stoup. It is a small basin or receptacle that is used to hold holy water, which is used in religious ceremonies and rites. The water in the bénitier is often blessed by a priest or other religious figure, and it is used for various purposes, such as sprinkling on people or objects to bless them.
Origin
The word bénitier comes from the French word “bénir,” which means “to bless.” The word has been in use since the 14th century and was originally used to refer to a container used to hold holy water. The word has since been adopted into English and is commonly used in religious contexts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bénitier is defined as “a basin or font for holy water in a church.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a vessel or basin for holy water, usually placed near the entrance of a church.”
Associations
Bénitiers are often found in churches and other religious buildings, particularly in Catholicism. They are used to hold holy water, which is used in various religious rituals and ceremonies. Bénitiers are also associated with blessings and are often used to bless people or objects.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bénitier include holy water font, stoup, and aspergillum.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bénitier, as it is a specific term used to refer to a holy water font or stoup.
The same root words
The root word of bénitier is “bénir,” which means “to bless.” Other words that share this root include benediction, benedictine, and benefactor.
Example Sentences
- The priest dipped his fingers into the bénitier and blessed the congregation.
- The bénitier at the entrance of the church was filled with holy water.
- The aspergillum was used to sprinkle holy water from the bénitier onto the congregation.
Bénitier is a French word that has been adopted into English. It refers to a holy water font or stoup, which is used to hold holy water in religious contexts, particularly in Catholicism. The word has been in use since the 14th century and is associated with blessings and religious rituals.