1
: a tablet decorated with a sacred figure (as of Christ) and sometimes ceremonially kissed by participants at mass
2
: the kiss of peace in the Mass
3
: peace
especially, Pax : a period of general stability in international affairs under the influence of dominant military power
usually used in combination with a latinized name
Pax Americana

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, peace — more at peace

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pax was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pax

Cite this Entry

“Pax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pax. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pax

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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