chalice

[chal-is]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a cup for the wine of the Eucharist or Mass.

   2. the wine contained in it.

2. a drinking cup or goblet.

3. a cuplike blossom.

chalice

/ ˈtʃælɪs /

noun

1. poetic,  a drinking cup; goblet

2. Christianity a gold or silver cup containing the wine at Mass

3. the calyx of a flower, esp a cup-shaped calyx

Other Word Forms

• chaliced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalice¹

before 900; Middle English < Middle French < Latin calici- (stem of calix ) cup; replacing Middle English caliz, calc, Old English calic < Latin calici-, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalice¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin calix cup; related to Greek kalux calyx

Example Sentences

Whoever takes up the leadership position will almost be drinking from a "poisoned chalice", adds Prof Brown.

From BBC

The Monday summit also revealed that Putin’s ostensible concession at the Alaska summit to agree to international security guarantees for Ukraine is a poisoned chalice.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's a poisoned chalice - one of the paedophiles will re-offend. This case also highlights concerns about a lack of safeguarding in entertainment and tech companies enabling these types of offenders."

From BBC

The prospect of back-to-back Wooden Spoons is now a distinct possibility for Wales and will mark a new milestone for Italy in avoiding that unwanted chalice two years in a row.

From BBC

A simple bronze altar has been created, with new chalices for the sacraments.

From BBC