lavabo

Definition

A ritual involving the washing of one's hands at a church's offertory before handling the Eucharist.

Etymology

From the Christian ritual, which was traditionally accompanied in Catholicism by a recitation of Psalm 25:6 (Psalm 26:6, in the Hebrew and in most modern translations) which in Latin begins with the word lavābō (“I will wash”). The sense of "room with a toilet" developed under the influence of lavatory and lav.

Example Sentences

• "These small liturgical towels got […] the name of Lavabo cloths or Lavaboes."
• "[…] the […] pontiff, as he […] moved his hands […] at the Lavabo, or at the various benedictions […]"
• "Mr. Pond fussed out and she heard the door of the little lavabo in the passage open with a loud creak."