sacrament

Meanings

Noun

• A sacred act or ceremony in Christianity. In Catholic theology, a sacrament is defined as "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace."
• The Eucharist.
• The consecrated Eucharist (especially the bread).
• A thing which is regarded as possessing a sacred character or mysterious significance.
• The oath of allegiance taken by soldiers in Ancient Rome; hence, any sacred ceremony used to impress an obligation; a solemn oath-taking; an oath.

Verb

• To bind by an oath.

Origin

• From Middle English sacrament, from Old French sacrement, from Ecclesiastical Latin sacrāmentum ("sacrament"), from Latin sacrō ("hallow, consecrate"), from sacer, originally sum deposited by parties to a suit.