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Glite Dictionary
aquamanile

aquamanile

9.9
A container shaped like an animal used to pour water for washing hands during religious ceremonies
  • noun
  • /ˌækwəˈmɪnəl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : acuanímale
  • In medieval households, an aquamanile was often placed on the dining table for guests to wash their hands before meals.

Examples

  • During the ceremony, the priest used an ornate aquamanile to pour water for handwashing.

  • The priest used the ornate aquamanile to pour water for the ritual handwashing during the ceremony.

  • The museum displayed a bronze aquamanile shaped like a lion.

  • Collectors prize a well-preserved aquamanile for its historical and artistic value.

  • The ancient aquamanile was beautifully designed.

  • During the ceremony, the priest used an aquamanile to wash his hands.

  • This beautifully crafted aquamanile, shaped like a lion, was used to hold water for ceremonial washing.

Synonyms

vessel
vsaquamanile
57 3.2

A container that holds liquids like a bowl or cup

is specialized for medieval ritual pouring and often shows animal decoration
urceole
vsaquamanile
  • Archaic
9.9

A small container for washing hands before a religious ceremony

is medieval and often shaped like an animal for decorative pouring

Surface Forms

aquamanile singular
aquamaniles plural

Etymology

The word aquamanile comes from the Latin parts aqua 'water' and manus 'hand'. So it literally means 'water for the hand', which fits its use as a small container, often shaped like an animal, for pouring water to wash hands.