Agnus Dei
[ ag-nuh s dee-ahy, de-ee; ah-nyoo s de-ee ]
/ ˈæg nəs ˈdi aɪ, ˈdɛ i; ˈɑ nyʊs ˈdɛ i /
noun
Ecclesiastical.
- a figure of a lamb as emblematic of Christ.
- such a representation with the nimbus inscribed with the cross about its head, and supporting the banner of the cross.
a prayer addressed to Christ as Savior preceding the communion in the Mass.
a musical setting of this prayer.
Origin of Agnus Dei
< Latin: lamb of God
British Dictionary definitions for agnus dei
Agnus Dei
/ (ˈæɡnʊs ˈdeɪɪ) /
noun Christianity
the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ
a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy
a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope
Word Origin for Agnus Dei
Latin: Lamb of God