Sanctus

noun

Sanc·​tus ˈsaŋ(k)-təs 

ˈsäŋ(k)-təs, 

-ˌtüs 

: an ancient Christian hymn of adoration sung or said immediately before the prayer of consecration in traditional liturgies

Examples of Sanctus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jackson’s Requiem, for unaccompanied voices, follows Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem in interspersing non-liturgical poems among traditional words of the Latin requiem — although only the Introit, Sanctus and Benedictus and Lux aeterna. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 16 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Holy, holy, holy, opening of a hymn sung by the angels in Isaiah 6:3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Sanctus

• Sanctus bell