lavabo

[ luh-vey-boh, -vah- ]

noun

, plural la·va·boes.

1. Ecclesiastical.
   1. the ritual washing of the celebrant's hands after the offertory in the Mass, accompanied in the Roman rite by the recitation of Psalm 26:6–12.
   2. the passage recited.
   3. the small towel or the basin used.
2. (in many medieval monasteries) a large stone basin equipped with a number of small orifices through which water flowed, used for the performance of ablutions.
3. a washbowl with a spigot-equipped water tank above, both mounted on a wall: now often used for decoration or as a planter.

lavabo

/ ləˈveɪbəʊ /

noun

1. 1. the ritual washing of the celebrant's hands after the offertory at Mass
   2. ( as modifier )

      lavabo towel

      lavabo basin

2. See washbasin
   another name for washbasin
3. a trough for washing in a convent or monastery

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavabo¹

First recorded in 1855–60, lavabo is from the Latin word lavābō: I shall wash

Word History and Origins

Origin of lavabo¹

C19: from Latin: I shall wash, the opening of Psalm 26:6

Example Sentences

In general the lavabo is a sort of trough; in some places it has an almery for towels, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing represented the poverty of the Legion so much as this "lavabo."

From Project Gutenberg

In the sacristy are a Venetian lavabo, some embroideries, and a fine fifteenth-century processional cross.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you ever use any ceremony such as the Lavabo, or swinging of the incense immediately before or after the service?

From Project Gutenberg

The only portions of the monastery which remain in a fair state of preservation are the Chapter House and the Lavabo.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking