reliquary
[rel-i-kwer-ee]
- a repository or receptacle for relics.
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Origin of reliquary
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for reliquary
Contemporary Examples
Every January 1, the priest would lead a procession with the relic and its 18th-century reliquary.
Father Thomas Michelet, having accompanied the reliquary from Sainte-Baume to New York, was surprised by the turnout.
Historical Examples
In some towns they have, in the cemetery, a bone-house or reliquary.
Shawl-StrapsLouisa M. Alcott
Jane brought it to Con as to the proper keeper of the reliquary.
The Celt and Saxon, CompleteGeorge Meredith
She rushed for a little box which she had converted into a sort of reliquary.
Jacqueline, Complete(Mme. Blanc) Th. Bentzon
Menstir, a reliquary; poolire, a leathern bookcase or satchel.
The Archaeology and Prehistoric Annals of ScotlandDaniel Wilson
It is circular in form, and was probably intended as a reliquary.
JewelleryH. Clifford Smith,
reliquary
- a receptacle or repository for relics, esp relics of saints
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Word Origin
C17: from Old French reliquaire, from relique relic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for reliquary
n.
"receptacle for keeping relics," 1650s, from French reliquaire (14c.), from relique (see relic).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper