ex voto

¹

[ eks woh-toh; English eks voh-toh ]

adjective

, Latin.

1. from, or in pursuance of, a vow.

ex-voto

²

[ eks-voh-toh ]

noun

, plural ex-vo·tos.

1. a painting or other object left as an offering in fulfillment of a vow or in gratitude, as for recovery from an illness or injury.

ex voto

/ ɛks ˈvəʊtəʊ /

adverb

1. in accordance with a vow

noun

1. an offering made in fulfilment of a vow

Word History and Origins

Origin of ex voto¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Origin of ex voto²

First recorded in 1815–25; from Latin ex vōtō literally, “out of a vow”; ex- ¹( def ), vow

Example Sentences

This was no doubt the ex voto offering of some great man in old days, but no inscription was found to explain it.

From Project Gutenberg

Opposite the steps is a defaced bas-relief, probably a Virgin attended by angels—no doubt an ex-voto of the time of the Conquest.

From Project Gutenberg

The fainting figures that were painted in the ex-voto of the triptiques seemed ill with love.

From Project Gutenberg

In utter despair, Joan had decided to renounce war, she gave up her armor, and offered it up ex voto.

From Project Gutenberg

To its curative powers many crutches and ex voto objects, hung round the well, as in the Lourdes Grot, bear ample witness.

From Project Gutenberg