maundy

[mawn-dee]

noun

1. the ceremony of washing the feet of poor people, especially commemorating Jesus' washing of His disciples' feet on Maundy Thursday.

2. Also called maundy money. money distributed as alms in conjunction with the ceremony of maundy or on Maundy Thursday.

maundy

/ ˈmɔːndɪ /

noun

1. Christianity the ceremonial washing of the feet of poor persons in commemoration of Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet (John 13:4–34) re-enacted in some churches on Maundy Thursday

Word History and Origins

Origin of maundy¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandātum “command, mandate” (from the opening phrase novum mandātum (Vulgate) of Jesus' words to the disciples after He had washed their feet); mandate

Word History and Origins

Origin of maundy¹

C13: from Old French mandé something commanded, from Latin mandatum commandment, from the words of Christ: Mandātum novum dō vōbīs A new commandment give I unto you

Example Sentences

In April, he received Maundy Money from the King in recognition of his community service and dedication to his local Church of England congregation.

From BBC

As Caislyn recalled Francis' commitment to the poorest of society, many others referenced his last-known trip outside the Vatican on Maundy Thursday, when he visited prisoners at the Regina Coeli jail, as he had done many times before.

From BBC

On Thursday, the King and Queen took part in the traditional Maundy Thursday service, held this year at Durham Cathedral.

From BBC

"One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness," said the King, in a message ahead of the traditional Maundy Service, held this year in Durham Cathedral.

From BBC

The King and Queen Camilla will attend the service in which specially minted coins, the Maundy Money, are presented to 76 men and women, the same number as the King's age.

From BBC

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