post-coˈmmunion, n. (a.)
[ad. med.L. postcommūnio, -ōn-em; cf. F. postcommunion (OF. also pocumenion, 1287 in Godef.); see post- B. 1 c and communion.]
The or a part of the eucharistic office which follows the act of communion.
| 1483 Caxton Gold. Leg. 442 b/1 After the preest sayth the postcommunyon whiche is so named..for thys that it is sayd after the preest hath receyued the precyous sacramente of the aulter. 1548–9 Bk. Comm. Prayer, Communion (Rubric), Then shall the Clarkes syng the post Communion. 1657 Sparrow Bk. Com. Prayer 241 The last is the Post-Communion, or, Thanksgiving, which with us is nothing but that holy Hymn [Gloria in Excelsis]. 1853 Dale tr. Baldeschi's Ceremonial 128 At the Post-Communion the Bishop again goes to the faldstool. 1902 Westm. Gaz. 11 Aug. 5/2 The Post-Communion was said by the Archbishop and the ‘Gloria in Excelsis’ was sung by the choir to music by Sir John Stainer. |
B. adj. Succeeding or following the act of communion; used after communion.
| 1890 Cent. Dict. s.v., A post-communion collect. Mod. The post-communion address in Presbyterian churches. |