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relique

relic

noun reh-LEEK Rare
Arts & Culture Religion

Origin: Latin reliquiae (remains)

Usage Note

relique refers to a physical remnant of a saint or holy object venerated in Catholic tradition, but is also used figuratively for any cherished object from the past. The plural reliques is common in both religious and metaphorical contexts. The container that holds a relic is a reliquaire (reliquary).

Examples

"Cette église conserve une précieuse relique."

Natural Translation

This church preserves a precious relic.

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