aspergillum

[ as-per-jil-uhm ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

, plural as·per·gil·la [as-per-, jil, -, uh], as·per·gil·lums.

1. a brush or instrument for sprinkling holy water; aspersorium.

aspergillum

/ ˌæspəˈdʒɪləm; ˈæspədʒɪl /

noun

1. another term for aspersorium

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspergillum¹

1640–50; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin asperg ( ere ) to besprinkle ( a- ⁵, sparge ) + -illum diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of aspergillum¹

C17: from New Latin aspergillum, from Latin aspergere, from spargere to sprinkle

Example Sentences

A portion of the cylindrical stem of a flabellum or aspergillum, probably French of the twelfth century, is in the British Museum.

From Project Gutenberg

The brush used for sprinkling is an aspergill (aspergillum), or aspersoir, and the vessel for this water an aspersorium.

From Project Gutenberg

On this table were a silver crucifix, a vase filled with holy water, and an aspergillum.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already mentioned an ancient Christian fresco in which an aspergillum is represented.

From Project Gutenberg

He is attended by a minister with a vase of holy water, an aspergillum and a copy of the Rituale or missal.

From Project Gutenberg