chalice

American  

[chal-is] / ˈtʃæl ɪs /

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.

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chalice British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• chaliced adjective

Etymology

Origin of chalice

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

Example Sentences

"In the past, Eurovision was a great honour for so many artists," but now, "it might feel like a poisoned chalice to some".

From Barron's

She was thrilled to be a chalice bearer at the event but said she was stunned by the bishop's behaviour at their first meeting soon afterwards.

From BBC

He said some people had warned him that the job would be a "poisoned chalice".

From Barron's

The job is a huge opportunity but also a poisoned chalice.

From BBC

It’s a constant conundrum of global athletic events, pursued as chalices by complicated hosts.

From The Wall Street Journal