Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

monstrance

noun
mon·​strance | \ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s \

Definition of monstrance 

: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful

Illustration of monstrance

Illustration of monstrance

First Known Use of monstrance

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for monstrance

Middle English mustraunce, monstrans demonstration, monstrance, from Anglo-French mustrance show, sign, from Medieval Latin monstrantia, from Latin monstrare to show, from monstrum

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about monstrance

Share monstrance

Statistics for monstrance

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for monstrance

The first known use of monstrance was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

More from Merriam-Webster on monstrance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monstrance

Comments on monstrance

What made you want to look up monstrance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games