‖ pediluvium
(pɛdɪˈl(j)uːvɪəm)
Pl. -ia. Also in anglicized form pediluvy.
[med. or mod.L., f. pēs, pedi- foot + -luvium (in comp.) washing, f. lu-ĕre to wash.]
A foot-bath; a washing of feet. Also attrib.
| 1693 tr. Blanchard's Phys. Dict. (ed. 2), Pediluvium, a sort of Bath for the Feet. 1782 W. Heberden Comm. xviii. (1806) 101 Warm pediluvia. 1828 Webster, Pediluvy. 1865 A. Strickland Queens Eng. I. 90 Perhaps he [King David I] was conscious of his want of skill at a pediluvium party; or..had seen too much of such scenes during the life of his pious mother Queen Margaret. 1898 P. Manson Trop. Diseases xxxvii. 140 Hot mustard pediluvia..are in constant use. |
Hence pediˈluvial a., of or pertaining to the washing of feet, or to a foot-bath; in quot. n. pl. ceremonies connected with the washing of feet (as a religious act).
| 1828 Landor Imag. Conv., Leo XII & Gigi, After which holy function, go and prepare for the pediluvials. |