offertory

(ôfər tôr′ē)

noun pl. offertories

    1. the part of a Eucharistic service in which the bread and wine, before being consecrated, are offered to God
    2. the prayers said then
    3. a hymn or musical composition used then
    1. the part of a church service during which money offerings are collected from the congregation
    2. the collection itself

Origin: ME offertorie < ML(Ec) offertorium < LL(Ec), place for offerings < offerre, to offer

See offertory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. of·fer·to·ries
  1. often Offertory
    a. One of the principal parts of the Eucharistic liturgy at which bread and wine are offered to God by the celebrant.
    b. A musical setting for this part of the liturgy.
  2. A collection of offerings at a religious service.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English offertori

Origin: , from Late Latin offertōrium

Origin: , from Latin offerre, to offer; see offer

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