Black Mass

American  

Or black mass

noun

1. a blasphemous ceremony mocking the Christian Mass, especially one by an alleged worshiper of Satan.

2. a Requiem Mass.

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black mass British  

noun

1. (sometimes capitals) a blasphemous travesty of the Christian Mass, performed by practitioners of black magic

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Etymology

Origin of Black Mass

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Bulger, the former leader of South Boston's Winter Hill gang, inspired the film Black Mass featuring Johnny Depp, and The Departed, which won the Academy Award for best picture in 2007.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2022

Cooper, a former actor, directed Jeff Bridges to an Academy Award in "Crazy Heart" and Johnny Depp to one of his best performances in "Black Mass."

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2017

The film "Black Mass," released last year and starring Johnny Depp as Bulger, told the story of the gangster's rise to power and ultimate flight from the city.

From Reuters • Feb. 3, 2016

Many critics and viewers thought Depp’s performance as Whitey Bulger in Black Mass was enough to land him a nod for Best Actor.

From Time • Jan. 14, 2016

The only curious book he showed me was an office of the Black Mass on parchment.

From Là-bas by Wallace, Keene