orant

[ 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

Calig´orant, an Egyptian giant and cannibal, who used to entrap travellers with an invisible net.

From Project Gutenberg