orant

Also o·ran·te

[awr-uhnt, ohr-]

noun

Fine Arts.

1. a representation of a female figure, with outstretched arms and palms up in a gesture of prayer, in ancient and early Christian art.

Word History and Origins

Origin of orant¹

1895–1900; < Medieval Latin ōrant- (stem of ōrāns ), present participle of ōrāre to plead. See oration, -ant

Example Sentences

Orant, ō′rant, n. a worshipping figure in ancient Greek and early Christian art.

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Corrob′orant, Corrob′orative, tending to confirm.—n. that which corroborates.—ns.

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Decol′orant, a substance that bleaches or removes colour.—v.t.

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What makes Cleveland Curator William Wixom overjoyed with his new sculptural group is that it also shows Jonah in idyllic repose under the gourd vine, and includes a freestanding orant, probably Jonah, which Wixom calls "one of the most moving depictions of a figure in prayer in the entire history of art."

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Si adest possibilitas, ut quid orant?

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