housel

Definitions


[], (Noun)

Definitions:
- The consecrated elements of the Eucharist, especially the bread; (also) the administration or receiving of the Eucharist; the service or ceremony of the Eucharist.


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English (in an earlier sense). Cognate with early Scandinavian (runic: Sweden) (dative singular) hosli sacrifice, Old Icelandic húsl (Icelandic húsl, hunsl, now historical), Old Norwegian húsl, Old Swedish husl, all in sense ‘the Eucharist, the consecrated elements of the Eucharist’, Gothic hunsl sacrifice, offering (translating ancient Greek θυσία), also (in an isolated attestation: John 16:2, translating ancient Greek λατρεία) service to God, worship; further etymology uncertain and disputed: see below


[], (Verb)

Definitions:
- In passive. To receive the Eucharist. †Also reflexive (obsolete).

- In extended use. To purify or absolve of past wrongdoings, especially by ceremonial expiation or the performance of religious rites.


Phrases:

Origin:
Old English (in an earlier sense). From housel. Compare Old Icelandic húsla (Icelandic húsla, hunsla, now historical), Old Swedish husla




definition by Oxford Dictionaries