orans
1
9.9
A figure with arms held out in prayer, often in Christian art
- noun
- Specialized
:
orante
- Many medieval churches featured sculptures of an orans figure, illustrating the act of prayer.
Examples
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"Maybe Eneas thought to reach the outlying farms of the Orans."
Fiction book (1991) -
The ancient fresco depicted an orans with arms raised in prayer on the chapel wall.
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In religious artwork, the orans is often portrayed as a symbol of devotion and hope.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word orans comes from the Latin verb orare, which means 'to pray'. It originally meant 'one who prays', so in art an orans is shown with arms outstretched in a clear posture of prayer.