reliquary
/ˈrɛlɪkwəri
/noun (plural reliquaries)
A container for holy relics.As the importance of saints and their relics increased, reliquaries and image-bearing objects, such as small statues, began to be placed upon the altar....
- Thus, when the reliquary was exhibited from the outdoor pulpit on feast days sacred to the Virgin Mary, a strong visual bond between the reliquary and the church in which it was kept could be discerned.
- The exhibition highlights aspects of Roman Catholic religious traditions and includes relics and reliquaries, religious artefacts, and an insight into the practices of the Sisters of Mercy.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French reliquaire, from Old French relique (see relic).