missal

[ mis-uhl ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) Roman Catholic Church. the book containing the prayers and rites used by the priest in celebrating Mass over the course of the entire year.
2. any book of prayers or devotions.

missal

/ ˈmɪsəl /

noun

1. RC Church a book containing the prayers, rites, etc, of the Masses for a complete year

Word History and Origins

Origin of missal¹

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin missāle, noun use of neuter of missālis, equivalent to miss ( a ) Mass + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of missal¹

C14: from Church Latin missale (n), from missālis concerning the Mass

Example Sentences

It is a leaf from the illuminated prayer-missal for all eyes and hearts.

From Project Gutenberg

In the now steadier light Catherine saw that the large missal lay open at the Office for the Dead.

From Project Gutenberg

The reader, I think, will understand this at once by considering the effect of the illuminations of an old missal.

From Project Gutenberg

She put the missal on the lap of my single garment, and drew back a step, formally standing.

From Project Gutenberg

And the sister's sweet withered face was reminiscent of a missal, one bright with colour, and still shining faintly.

From Project Gutenberg