pyx

noun

ˈpiks 

1

: a container for the reserved host

especially : a small round metal receptacle used to carry the Eucharist to the sick

2

: a box used in a mint for deposit of sample coins reserved for testing weight and fineness

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin pyxis, from Latin, box, from Greek, from pyxos box (shrub)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1