kiss of peace

noun

1. (in certain Christian churches) a ceremonial greeting or embrace given as a token of Christian love and unity.

2. a ceremonial kiss formerly given, especially at a baptism or Eucharistic service, as a token of Christian love and unity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiss of peace¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The contact is accidental, yet they appear to be exchanging an ever-so-tender kiss of peace.

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When one church let parishioners move the kiss of peace to the start of the service, he looked the other way.

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Henry repeatedly and ominously refused to exchange the kiss of peace with him, and the archbishop knew his stand against royal demands was likely to end badly.

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Then the kiss of peace went round, the women receiving it by a touch of the elbow.

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The kiss of peace is given before the Consecration; the Credo is recited after the offertory.

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