Chrismale

/ˌkrɪzˈmeɪl/ noun

Definition

A white robe or vestment put on a child during baptism or confirmation, anointed with chrism.

Etymology

From 'chrism' plus the Old French '-ale' suffix (related to 'rale', a garment). This word combines the sacramental oil with the garment blessed in the same ceremony, evolving in medieval ecclesiastical Latin.

Kelly Says

Chrismale shows how medieval Christians created specific words for specific ceremonial moments—this one word encapsulates the exact white robe given at confirmation, which is why it barely exists in modern English since we just say 'white robe' now.

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