feretory

[ fer-i-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural fer·e·to·ries.

1. a container for the relics of a saint; reliquary.
2. an enclosure or area within a church where such a reliquary is kept.
3. a portable bier or shrine.

feretory

/ -trɪ; ˈfɛrɪtərɪ /

noun

1. a shrine, usually portable, for a saint's relics
2. the chapel in which a shrine is kept

Word History and Origins

Origin of feretory¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English fertre, feretory, firetree, from Old French fiertre, from Latin feretrum, from Greek phė́retron “bier, litter”

Word History and Origins

Origin of feretory¹

C14: from Middle French fiertre , from Latin feretrum a bier, from Greek pheretron , from pherein to bear

Example Sentences

At one time, before the erection of the reredos, the feretory must have been visible from the choir.

From Project Gutenberg

The fragments now in the feretory are often very fine, but are most of them sadly mutilated.

From Project Gutenberg

Feretory, fer′e-tor-i, n. a shrine for relics carried in processions.

From Project Gutenberg

This seriously affected Chichester, as the fate of the feretory of S. Richard was involved by the mandate.

From Project Gutenberg