Category:Sanctus

Sanc"tus, n. Etym: [l. sanctus, p.p. of sancire.]

1. (eccl.)

Defn: a part of the Mass, or, in protestant churches, a part of the Communion service, of which the first words in Latin are Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus [Holy, Holy, Holy]; -- called also Tersanctus.

The Prayer: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dóminus Deus Sábaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra glória tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nómine Dómini. Hosanna in excelsis.

See Children's Mass Books for Bible verses associated with this prayer.

2. (mus.)

Defn: an anthem composed for these words.

Sanctus bell, a small bell usually suspended in a bell cot at the apex of the nave roof, over the chancel arch, in mediæval churches, but a hand bell is now often used; -- so called because rung at the singing of the Sanctus, at the conclusion of the ordinary of the Mass, and again at the Elevation of the Host. Called also Mass bell, sacring bell, Saints' bell, Sance-Bell, Sancte bell.