feretory

noun

fer·​e·​to·​ry
ˈferəˌtōrē
plural -es
1
: an ornate often portable bier for the relics of a saint
2
: a place for keeping a feretory
especially : a narrow space behind the high altar of a medieval cathedral or large church

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fertre, feretory, firetree, from Anglo-French fertre & Middle French fiertre, from Medieval Latin feretrum, from Latin, litter, bier, from Greek pheretron, from pherein to carry

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near feretory

Cite this Entry

“Feretory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feretory. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!