: the Thursday before Easter observed in commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist
Examples of Maundy Thursday in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Our first pilgrimage along it, heading to the Maundy Thursday service, we were overtaken by an elderly priest who flew by on an electric wheelchair through the pink haze of the evening, his cassock billowing out behind him.—Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025 The traditional handing out of alms is done on Maundy Thursday, the day that marks the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles in the Christian calendar.—Simon Perry, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Key News Asian equities had a strong day on light volumes, except the Philippines, which was closed for Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper.—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Many Muslims commemorate the Israelites’ liberation by fasting on the Day of Ashura, while Christians reflect upon Passover during Holy Week —from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday — as liberation from spiritual bondage.—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Maundy Thursday
Word History
Etymology
Middle English maunde ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday, from Anglo-French mandet, from Latin mandatum command; from Jesus' words in John 13:34 — more at mandate
Middle English maunde "ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on the Thursday before Easter," from early French mandé (same meaning), from Latin mandatum "command"; so called from Jesus' words "A new Commandment I give to you …" in John 13:34 (RSV) after he washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper
Share