† singing bread Obs.
[Cf. sing v.1 3 and 11.]
The wafer used in the celebration of the mass.
| 1432–3 Will of E. Strete (Comm. Crt. London), Duo par de bakyngirnes, unum pro shosynlyngbred [?] & aliud pro singyngbred. 1453 Test. Ebor. (Surtees) II. 190 Item j box of silver covered, for syngyngbrede. 1527 in Lewis Life Fisher (1855) I. 314 These prestis makith us to beleve, that the synginge brede they holde ouer their hedes is god, and it is but a cake. 1570 B. Googe Pop. Kingd. iv. 51 b, And least in grave he shoulde remaine, without some companie, The singing bread is layde with him. 1616 Surfl. & Markham Country Farme v. xxii. 585 Singing breads are made after the manner of Oublies, saue only that the meale whereof they are kneaden is not mingled with Honey, Sugar, or any manner of Leaven whatsoever. |