viaticum

[ vahy-at-i-kuhm, vee- ]

noun

, plural vi·at·i·ca [vahy-, at, -i-k, uh, vee-], vi·at·i·cums.

1. Ecclesiastical. the Eucharist or Communion as given to a person dying or in danger of death.
2. (among the ancient Romans) a provision or allowance for traveling, originally of transportation and supplies, later of money, made to officials on public missions.
3. money or necessities for any journey.

viaticum

/ vaɪˈætɪkəm /

noun

1. Christianity Holy Communion as administered to a person dying or in danger of death
2. rare.
   provisions or a travel allowance for a journey

Word History and Origins

Origin of viaticum¹

1555–65; < Latin viāticum, neuter of viāticus, equivalent to viāt ( us ) (past participle of viāre to travel; via, -ate ¹ ) + -icus -ic; voyage

Word History and Origins

Origin of viaticum¹

C16: from Latin, from viāticus belonging to a journey, from viāre to travel, from via way

Example Sentences

The priest may be obliged to administer baptism, to hear confession, to give the Viaticum and Extreme Unction.

From Project Gutenberg

This he was able to do, and she declared that she would keep it to be her viaticum when the time of her release should come.

From Project Gutenberg

Reconciliation with my friends I do not expect; nor pardon from them; at least, till in extremity, and as a viaticum.

From Project Gutenberg

She had not even the viaticum of seeing the phosphorescent star, the floating head of Jao on the water.

From Project Gutenberg

The ghostly viaticum being over, the priest and his assistants left the house.

From Project Gutenberg