Asperges

[ uh-spur-jeez ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. the rite of sprinkling the altar, clergy, and people with holy water before High Mass.

Asperges

/ æˈspɜːdʒiːz /

noun

1. a short rite preceding Mass, in which the celebrant sprinkles those present with holy water to the accompaniment of the chant Asperges me, Domine
2. the chant opening with these words

Word History and Origins

Origin of Asperges¹

< Latin: thou shalt sprinkle (2nd person singular future of aspergere ). See a- ⁵, sparge

Word History and Origins

Origin of Asperges¹

C16: from Latin Asperges ( me hyssopo ) Thou shalt purge (me with hyssop)

Example Sentences

Asperges me hyssopo et mundabor, lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.

From Project Gutenberg

Much hyssop grows here, Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor.

From Project Gutenberg

Elle me donne un brevet de trois ans de vie, car il faut trois ans pour faire venir ces belles asperges dont vous me gratifiez.

From Project Gutenberg

With a slow movement, he raised three times the asperges brush, and he purified him with a gentle rain.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not think that you expect to convince me that a ceremony like the—er—Asperges is a fundamental of Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg