monstrance

American  

[mon-struhns] / ˈmɒn strəns /

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. a receptacle in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration.

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monstrance British  

/ ˈmɒnstrəns /

noun

1. RC Church a receptacle, usually of gold or silver, with a transparent container in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration

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Etymology

Origin of monstrance

1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin mōnstrantia, equivalent to mōnstr ( āre ) to show ( muster ) + -antia -ance

Example Sentences

Each procession is being led by a priest holding a monstrance — typically a sunburst-patterned vessel that displays the host, or bread wafer consecrated by a priest at Mass.

From Seattle Times • May 19, 2024

At LACMA, a stunning silver monstrance, sumptuous church vestment embroidery, boxes inlaid with bone and tortoiseshell, and carved wooden trays painted in a dense profusion of floral patterns draw the comparison.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2022

Presiding would have required standing, kneeling and holding aloft a monstrance, a heavy gold vessel used to hold the communion host during vespers.

From Reuters • Dec. 31, 2021

When his priest rang the bell during Mass, Gerald Ryan, then about 4, thought the beautiful sound was coming from the monstrance that held the host.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2012

Upon the high altar stood a golden monstrance in the shape of a sunburst, at the center of which—exposed through a tiny window— was the round wafer of bread.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez