n. Roman Catholic Church A receptacle in which the host is held and displayed. Also called ostensorium. [Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin mōnstrantia, from Latin mōnstrāns, mōnstrant-, present participle of mōnstrāre, to show, from mōnstrum, portent, monster; see MONSTER.] ![]() (click for a larger image) monstrance |
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