Agnus Dei

[ ag-nuh s dee-ahy, de-ee; ah-nyoo s de-ee ]

/ ˈæg nəs ˈdi aɪ, ˈdɛ i; ˈɑ nyʊs ˈdɛ i /

noun

Ecclesiastical.

a figure of a lamb as emblematic of Christ.
such a representation with the nimbus inscribed with the cross about its head, and supporting the banner of the cross.

a prayer addressed to Christ as Savior preceding the communion in the Mass.

a musical setting of this prayer.

Origin of Agnus Dei

< Latin: lamb of God

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for agnus dei

Agnus Dei

/ (ˈæɡnʊs ˈdeɪɪ) /

noun Christianity

the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ

a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy

a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope

Word Origin for Agnus Dei

Latin: Lamb of God

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for agnus dei

Agnus Dei

Latin, literally "lamb of God."