offertory

[ aw-fer-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, of-er- ]

noun

, plural of·fer·to·ries.

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.

offertory

/ 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

Other Words From

• offer·tori·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of offertory¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of offertory¹

C14: from Church Latin offertōrium place appointed for offerings, from Latin offerre to offer

Example Sentences

They gained a precarious living from the offertory, and in no single case was there a dwelling-house.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no music during the offertory in these churches, and this, too, pleases my sense of the fitness of things.

From Project Gutenberg

He sang an Offertory solo, accompanying himself on the harmonium.

From Project Gutenberg

After the offertory, the imperial deacon presented the water to the pontiff.

From Project Gutenberg

These pieces, we learn later, were to be an offertory, a graduale and a Tantum ergo.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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