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calice

chalice, goblet

noun kah-LEES Rare

Origin: From Latin 'calix' (cup).

Also means

calyx (botany)

Usage Note

Calice primarily denotes the liturgical cup used in the Christian Eucharist, making it a central term in Catholic ceremony. Its secondary botanical sense refers to the calyx, the ring of sepals protecting a flower bud. In Quebec French, calice has become a very strong profanity (a 'sacre'), so French learners should be aware of this regional register difference.

Examples

"Le prêtre leva le calice pendant la messe."

Natural Translation

The priest raised the chalice during Mass.

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