Breviaries are an essential part of the Catholic Church’s liturgy. They are books containing the prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings that are recited by priests and religious people during the daily Mass and the Divine Office. The word “breviary” is derived from the Latin word “brevis,” meaning “short” or “brief.” This article will provide a detailed definition and meaning of breviaries.
Definitions
A breviary is a book containing the texts and prayers for the Divine Office, which is a set of prayers and hymns recited at specific times throughout the day by members of the clergy. Breviaries can also refer to a book containing the liturgy for the Mass.
Origin
Breviaries have been used in the Catholic Church since the Middle Ages. The earliest breviaries were handwritten and illuminated manuscripts, which were used by monks and priests during their daily prayers. With the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, breviaries became more widely available and accessible to the general public.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a breviary is “a book of the Roman Catholic liturgy containing the daily office of prayers for the canonical hours.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a breviary as “a book containing the texts for the canonical hours of the Divine Office, used by the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.”
Associations
Breviaries are closely associated with the Catholic Church’s liturgy and are used by priests, monks, and nuns during their daily prayers. They are also associated with the history of bookmaking and the development of printing technology.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for breviaries include prayer book, liturgy book, missal, and devotional book.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for breviaries, as it is a specific type of book.
The same root words
The root word of breviaries is “brevis,” which means “short” or “brief.” Other words derived from this root include brevity, brief, and abbreviate.
Example Sentences
- The priest used his breviary to recite the prayers for the Divine Office.
- The breviary contained all the texts and hymns for the Mass.
- The illuminated breviary was a masterpiece of medieval bookmaking.
Breviaries are an essential part of the Catholic Church’s liturgy and have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. They contain the prayers, hymns, and readings that are recited by members of the clergy during the daily Mass and the Divine Office. Breviaries have been adapted to modern times and are now available in digital formats, making them more accessible than ever before.