prayer book

American  

[prair] / prɛər /

noun

1. a book containing formal prayers to be used in public or private religious devotions.

2. (usually initial capital letters) Book of Common Prayer.

3. Nautical. a small holystone.

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prayer book British  

/ prɛə /

noun

1. ecclesiast a book containing the prayers used at church services or recommended for private devotions

2. Church of England (often capitals) another name for Book of Common Prayer

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Etymology

Origin of prayer book

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

I even had the prayer book sitting there in anticipation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2024

The note discovered by Galli was written on the leaf of the prayer book, which was copied in the Marche town of Camerino and completed in September-October 1446.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

He tells the officer that yes, he does have a country and shows him a prayer book that U.S. authorities neglected to confiscate long ago.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2023

There should be two paperback options — one that resembles a small, flimsy prayer book, published without chic, that has no imagery at all, that looks like someone left it in the sun too long.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2022

But sometimes I walk by the grove and watch Lev pace with his prayer book.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper