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Glite Dictionary
kiss of peace

kiss of peace

9.1
A short greeting in church to show love and unity
  • noun
  • Formal
translation icon : beso de paz
  • Hours later, we kiss one another with the kiss of peace.

Examples

  • During the Mass, we smile at each other before sharing the kiss of peace to show our unity in faith.

  • Give me the kiss of peace and let me die.

    The Devils (1971)

  • A question was raised by Chuck as to whether such an expression (whether a kiss of peace or another cultural equivalent) has been prescribed in Scripture.

    Blog text (23)

  • I suggested that in the early centuries this was a kiss of peace, which today has been replaced by a "handshake chorus," a time that is usually little better than chaotic socialization.

    Blog text (23)

  • It's customary for the congregation to greet one another with the kiss of peace after the Eucharist is celebrated.

  • The kiss of peace symbolizes love and fellowship among worshippers during the church service.

Synonyms

greeting
vskiss of peace
283 1.0

A friendly word or action you use when you meet someone

is a ritualized religious exchange used during a Eucharist ceremony
pax
vskiss of peace
  • Archaic
9.9

A greeting or object showing peace that people share during a Catholic church service

is the specific ceremonial exchange emphasizing unity rather than being an object

Antonyms

division
138 4.2

A strong disagreement that separates people in a group

disunity
4 6.4

A situation when people or groups do not agree

Surface Forms

kiss of peace singular
kisses of peace plural

Morphology

kiss + of + peace

The phrase combines 'kiss' and 'peace' in a directly compositional way: it denotes a kiss that expresses peace, goodwill, or reconciliation, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer a greeting or gesture expressing unity. This concept also exists in many other languages and in liturgical practice, so the core meaning is transparent even if the specific ceremonial context may be new.

Etymology

The phrase kiss of peace comes from an early Christian practice. People would give a real kiss or an embrace to show they were at peace with one another, and that literal greeting became the formal sign of love and unity used during the service.