the Book of Common Prayer
/ðə ˌbʊk əv ˌkɒmən ˈpreə(r)/
/ðə ˌbʊk əv ˌkɑːmən ˈprer/
- the name of the prayer book most commonly used in the Church of England. It was first published in 1549, with a new version appearing in 1622. The beauty of its language is widely admired, but many people now prefer the modern Alternative Service Book.