oblation

noun

ob·​la·​tion ə-ˈblā-shən How to pronounce oblation (audio)
ō-
1
: the act of making a religious offering
specifically, Oblation : the act of offering the eucharistic elements to God
2
: something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oblacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French oblacion, borrowed from Late Latin oblātiōn-, oblātiō "offering, sacrifice, offering of the eucharistic elements," going back to Latin, "offering, tender, presentation," from oblā-, suppletive stem of offerre "to put in a person's path, provide, offer entry 1" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tolerate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near oblation

Cite this Entry

“Oblation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oblation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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