English Explanatory Dictionary

lavabo

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A ritual involving the washing of one's hands at a church's offertory before handling the Eucharist.
  2. The small towel used to dry the priest's hands following the ritual.
  3. A washbasin, particularly (Christianity) the one in a church used in the ritual.
  4. A trough used for washing at some medieval monasteries.
  5. A lavatory: a room used for urination and defecation.

Pronunciation

/ləˈveɪbəʊ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-lavabo.wav

Word forms

lavabo lavabos lavaboes

Etymology

From the Christian ritual, which was traditionally accompanied in Catholicism by a recitation of Psalm 25:6 (Psalm 26:6, in the Hebrew and in most modern translations) which in Latin begins with the word lavābō (“I will wash”). The sense of "room with a toilet" developed under the influence of lavatory and lav.

Synonyms

lavatory washbasin bathroom latrine necessarium toilet toilet room urinal water closet WC cloaca closet jacques kocay siege cludgie neddy netty shield six facilities ladies and gentlemen lavabo necessary necessary room office office of ease place potty privy small room smallest room throne room cottage geography House of Lords khazi usual offices restroom teahouse tearoom washroom comfort room CR closet of decency closet of ease house of office necessary place purging place vault withdraught wardrobe shitter urination station bog carsey crapper karzy lats lav
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