English Explanatory Dictionary

sacrament

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A sacred act and the attendant ceremony, considered (theology) an outward sign of divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.
  2. The Eucharist.
  3. The consecrated Eucharist (especially the bread).
  4. Anything regarded as possessing a sacred character or mysterious significance.
  5. The oath of allegiance taken by soldiers in Ancient Rome; hence, any sacred ceremony used to impress an obligation; a solemn oath-taking; an oath.
verb
  1. To bind by an oath.

Pronunciation

/ˈsækɹəmənt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-sacrament.wav

Word forms

sacrament sacraments sacramenting sacramented

Etymology

From Middle English sacrament, from Old French sacrement, from Ecclesiastical Latin sacrāmentum (“sacrament”), from Latin sacrō (“hallow, consecrate”), from sacer (“sacred, holy”), originally sum deposited by parties to a suit.

Related words

baptism confirmation communion Mass or Eucharist penance extreme unction holy orders ordination and matrimony baptism and Lord's Supper Eucharistic liturgy Holy Eucharist Holy Sacrament Liturgy Lord's Supper

Derived words

sacramental sacramentality sacramentally sacramentarian sacramentism sacramentize sacrament of reconciliation
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