noun
- ornamental vessels used in Catholic churches to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for veneration
Usage: religious; Catholic liturgy
Examples
- The golden monstrances were displayed prominently on the altar.
- During Eucharistic adoration, the priest placed the host in one of the ornate monstrances.
- The church’s collection included several antique monstrances from the 18th century.
- Parishioners knelt in prayer before the monstrances during the holy hour.
- The silversmith crafted beautiful monstrances for the new cathedral.
- Medieval monstrances often featured intricate Gothic designs and precious stones.