grail

[ greyl ]

/ greɪl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR grail ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

(usually initial capital letter) Also called Holy Grail. a cup or chalice that in medieval legend was associated with unusual powers, especially the regeneration of life and, later, Christian purity, and was much sought after by medieval knights: identified with the cup used at the Last Supper and given to Joseph of Arimathea.

(sometimes initial capital letter) Informal. any greatly desired and sought-after objective; ultimate ideal or reward.

Nearby words

grahame, grahame, kenneth, grahamite, graiae, graian alps, grail, grail, holy, grain, grain alcohol, grain coast, grain elevator

Origin of grail

1300–50; Middle English graiel, graile, etc. < Anglo-French grahel, grayel, Old French gräel, grel < Medieval Latin gradālis platter, of uncertain origin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for grail

The grail in this story is the guitar that Gus kept on top of his piano, too high for Keith to reach.
Exile on Sesame Street: Keith Richards Writes a Kids’ Book|Malcolm Jones|September 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In picking Paul Ryan, Romney, as the Grail Knight said to Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade, "chose wisely."
Paul Ryan Is a Smart Pick|Rich Galen|August 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I have indeed held it 'sacred as the Grail,' and now I return it to you as stainless as when you gave it.
A Speckled Bird|Augusta J. Evans Wilson
Now all this is verity, hence we call this the Story of the Grail, and it shall be henceforth known as the Grail.
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail|Alfred Nutt

Brons, thy father, dwells in these isles of Ireland, and with him is the Grail.
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail|Alfred Nutt
And so the Grail warders are waiting, waiting for the coming of the "guileless fool."
The Complete Opera Book|Gustav Kobb
After which time he follows a hermit into the wilderness, accompanied by Grail, lance, and holy dish.
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail|Alfred Nutt

British Dictionary definitions for grail

Grail

/ (ɡreɪl) /

noun

See Holy Grail

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012