ciborium

1 definition found

ciborium - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Ciborium \Ci*bo"ri*um\, n.: pl. Ciboria. [LL., fr. L. ciborium
     a cup, fr. Gr. ? a seed vessel of the Egyptian bean; also, a
     cup made from its largeleaves, or resembling its seed vessel
     in shape.]
     1. (Arch.) A canopy usually standing free and supported on
        four columns, covering the high altar, or, very rarely, a
        secondary altar.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (R. C. Ch.) The coffer or case in which the host is kept;
        the pyx.
        [1913 Webster]