offertory

American  

[aw-fer-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, of-er-] / ˈɔ fərˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, ˈɒf ər- /

noun

plural

offertories

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) the offering of the unconsecrated elements that is made to God by the celebrant in a Eucharistic service.

2. Ecclesiastical.

   1. the verses, anthem, or music said, sung, or played while the offerings of the people are received at a religious service.

   2. that part of a service at which offerings are made.

   3. the offerings themselves.

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offertory British  

/ ˈɒfətərɪ /

noun

1. the oblation of the bread and wine at the Eucharist

2. the offerings of the worshippers at this service

3. the prayers said or sung while the worshippers' offerings are being received

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Other Word Forms

• offertorial adjective

Etymology

Origin of offertory

1350–1400; Middle English offertorie < Medieval Latin offertōrium place to which offerings are brought, offering, oblation, equivalent to Latin offer ( re ) ( offer ) + -tōrium -tory ²; oblation

Example Sentences

As the priest then began the offertory portion of the liturgy, which often is accompanied by quiet music, the organist played a reflective piece very slowly.

From The Wall Street Journal

A collage of photographs from his time on work experience was presented in the church as one of the offertory gifts during Requiem Mass.

From BBC

Whidden, a tenor, sang an offertory song titled “The Anchor Holds.”

From Los Angeles Times

The service itself incorporated many Indigenous elements and peoples, including an emotional moment when a woman in Native dress wept in front of Francis as she brought him the offertory gifts.

From Washington Times

However, through the fall, offertories have been off around 10 percent.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• allowance
• award
• benefit
• bonus
• contribution
• donation
• endowment
• favor
• giveaway
• grant
• legacy
• offering
• premium
• present
• relief
• reward
• souvenir
• subsidy
• tip
• tribute