reliquary

[rel-i-kwer-ee]

See more synonyms for reliquary on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural rel·i·quar·ies.

a repository or receptacle for relics.

Origin of reliquary

1650–60; < Middle French reliquaire < Medieval Latin reliquiārium, equivalent to Latin reliqui(ae) remains (see relic) + -ārium -ary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for reliquary

arca, feretory

Examples from the Web for reliquary

Contemporary Examples of reliquary

Every January 1, the priest would lead a procession with the relic and its 18th-century reliquary.
Happy Holy Circumcision Day!
David Farley
December 31, 2009
Father Thomas Michelet, having accompanied the reliquary from Sainte-Baume to New York, was surprised by the turnout.
Mary Magdalene and Me
Tracy Quan
November 10, 2009

Historical Examples of reliquary

In some towns they have, in the cemetery, a bone-house or reliquary.
Shawl-Straps
Louisa M. Alcott
Jane brought it to Con as to the proper keeper of the reliquary.
The Celt and Saxon, Complete
George 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 Scotland
Daniel Wilson
It is circular in form, and was probably intended as a reliquary.
Jewellery
H. Clifford Smith,

British Dictionary definitions for reliquary

reliquary

noun plural -quaries

a receptacle or repository for relics, esp relics of saints

Word Origin for reliquary

C17: from Old French reliquaire, from relique relic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for reliquary

"receptacle for keeping relics," 1650s, from French reliquaire (14c.), from relique (see relic).