: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful

Illustration of monstrance

Illustration of monstrance

Examples of monstrance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most recently, Surak received, through the mail, two brass monstrances displaying relics of St. Benilde. Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024 The other is a late-17th century Cuzco School painting from Peru, which shows Habsburg King Charles II, sword drawn and backed by two archangels (including Michael), defending from attack a Eucharist displayed inside a spectacular jeweled monstrance. Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mustraunce, monstrans demonstration, monstrance, from Anglo-French mustrance show, sign, from Medieval Latin monstrantia, from Latin monstrare to show, from monstrum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monstrance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near monstrance

Cite this Entry

“Monstrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstrance. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed

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