piscina

[ pi-sahy-nuh, pi-see- ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

, plural pis·ci·nae [pi-, sahy, -nee, pi-, see, -].

1. a basin with a drain used for certain ablutions, now generally in the sacristy.

piscina

/ ˈpɪsɪnəl; pɪˈsiːnə /

noun

1. RC Church a stone basin, with a drain, in a church or sacristy where water used at Mass is poured away

Derived Forms

• piscinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of piscina¹

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin, special use of Latin piscīna a fish pond, swimming pool, equivalent to pisc ( is ) fish + -īna, feminine of -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of piscina¹

C16: from Latin: fish pond, from piscis a fish

Example Sentences

Hawkers account (on p. 11) of the discovery of the piscina in the chancel wall at Morwenstow is, however, very circumstantial.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Baring-Gould evidently uses the word piscina as meaning the whole recess beside the altar.

From Project Gutenberg

This he supposed was a piscina drain, and accordingly set it up in the recess beside his altar.

From Project Gutenberg

On the approach to this promontory lies the Piscina Mirabilis, one of the most striking remains of Roman building.

From Project Gutenberg

The chancel contains a piscina and a circular font, dating from the middle of the seventeenth century.

From Project Gutenberg