asperges
(əˈspɜːdʒiːz)
[a. L. aspergēs, 2nd pers. sing. fut. ind. of aspergĕre (see asperge v.), from the words Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor, with which the priest begins mass. Cf. F. aspergès.]
= prec.
| 1553–87 Foxe A. & M. I. 658/2 With a little asperges of the Popes holy water. 1674 Du Moulin's Papal Tyr. 36 A petty Clark carrying holy water with an Asperges. 1884 Addis & Arnold Cath. Dict., Asperges, a name given to the sprinkling of the altar, clergy, and people with holy water at the beginning of High Mass by the celebrant. |