viaticum

American  

[vahy-at-i-kuhm, vee-] / vaɪˈæt ɪ kəm, vi- /

noun

plural

viatica, viaticums

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.

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viaticum British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of viaticum

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

Example Sentences

The voice of the poet deepens steadily right up to his viaticum, delivered to the world at war: We live in a camp.

From Time Magazine Archive

An ambitious young officer was allowed a liberal viaticum for a journey across the sea to seek promotion.

From Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius by Dill, Samuel

To finish its course and complete its work, will humanity ever discover another viaticum that will better renew its courage and its hope?

From Outlines of a Philosophy of Religion based on Psychology and History by Sabatier, Auguste

That is my comfort and my viaticum and-- Enough; I am glad to get out of this place; rather would I spin thistles than stay here a day longer.

From Edelweiss A Story by Auerbach, Berthold

It is a procession, going to carry the viaticum, the last sacrament, to a dying person.

From To Cuba and Back by Dana, Richard Henry