In Christian (especially Roman Catholic) usage: a holder for the host (bread or wafers consecrated during a Mass) in which the latter can be seen and venerated. (see communion)
(Roman Catholic Church) a vessel (usually of gold or silver) in which the consecrated Host is exposed for adoration
a gold or silver frame, usually in the form of a cross or a sunburst, with a glass case through which the host may be seen in the center
a receptacle for a relic, with a glass window through which the relic can be viewed
a special vessel for displaying the Eucharist
(English) A vessel, often made of gold or silver, in which the host, consecrated during a Catholic mass, is displayed.
a silver or gold stand that contains a circular window surrounded by a sunburst of rays Inside the circular window is placed a wafer which is the Eucharist.
An open or transparent receptacle of gold or silver in which the consecrated H ost is exposed for adoration.
A vessel in which the consecrated host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful. From the Latin "monstrare," or "to show;" a very high-church symbol. See " host" and "high church."
A standing vessel located near the alter within a Christian church by which the Host is shown or exposed to the multitude. The word "monstrosity" may have originated from these sometimes large and highly elaborate vessels built in ancient times. See ALTAR and CRYSTAL MICROPHONE.
Monstrance is the vessel used in the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and Anglo-Catholic Churches to display the consecrated Eucharistic Host, during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The word monstrance comes from the Latin word monstrare, meaning "to show". It is closely related to the English word demonstrate, meaning "to show clearly".
